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I 



PROCEEDINGS 



RECEPTION AND DINNER 



IN HONOR OF 



GEORGE PEABODY, ESQ., OF LONDON, 



BT THE CITIZENS OF 



THE OLD TOWN OF DANVERS, 



OCTOBER 9, 1856. 



TO WHICH IS APPENDED AN 

pistorital Slutclj of % ^eahi^j Institute, 

WITH THE 

EXERCISES AT THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE 
AND AT THE DEDICATION. 

PCTBLISaED BT ORDER OP THE COMSHTTEE OP ARRANGBMKKT8. 



(a {oO' 




BOSTON: 

HENRY W. DUTTON & SON, PRINTERS, 
Nos. !i^ &. 3.5 Congress Street. 

1856. 



Vit.'rf 



PREFACE. 



The remarkable degree of success attending the efforts of the people 
of the Old Town of Danvers to give suitable expression of their grati- 
tude to their eminent townsman, and the interest manifested at the 
time and since in the proceedings of that occasion, by the public at 
largo, seemed to render it proper that the events of the Reception 
should have a more enduring record than the newspapers of the 
day. The Committee to v/hom was entrusted the arrangements for the 
ovation, therefore appointed a Sub-Committee to attend to this publica- 
tion, desiring to have it placed in the hands of our citizens at the 
earliest possible time consistent with a correct record of the transactions 
'of the day. 

In preparing this volume for the press, the Compiler has felt the 
want of sufficient time to collect and arrange his materials in order to 
present the work to the public in a suitable form. 

Much of the material came late into his hands, and many of the 
details were furnished by different persons, having different modes of 
presenting the same kind of information, so that he has found it impos- 
sible to present the more descriptive parts with that uniformity which 
would have been desirable. Rather than delay the publication of the 
work, he has preferred to adopt the narrative of events, with but slight 
changes from the form and language in which they were presented to 
him. 

The proceedings at the Institute and at the banquet, which, after all, 
gave the most extended importance to the Festival, are correctly nar- 
rated, and most of the speeches have been revised by their authors. 



IV 

The Compiler confesses himself indebted to many of our citizens 
for materials and other aid for different parts of the work. Among 
others, to Messrs. Samuel Preston, Amos Merrill, James D. Black, and 
Augustus Mudge, for accounts of the several Schools ; Mr. John V. 
Stevens and Mr. William Green for descriptions of the Fire Depart- 
ment ; Thomas M. Stimpson, Esq., for the Historical Sketch of the 
Peabody Institute, and to many other gentlemen for valuable informa- 
tion and suggestions during the progress of the compilation. 



CONTENTS. 



Introduction, - - - -•- - ' ^ 

Decorations at Danvers, - - - - - - 6 

" Danversport, ... - - 8 

" South Danvers, ----- 12 

AiTangcments, ------- 21 

Programme of l^eception, - . - - - - 21 

Chief Marslial's Notice, ------ 23 

The Procession, ------- 25 

Cavalcade, --------25 

Fire Department, ------- 28 

Schools, - - 30 

Exercises at the Peabody Institute, - - - . 38 

Mr. Abbott's Address, ------ 39 

Song by the children of the Holten High School, - - - 44 

Mr. Peabody's Reply to Mr. Abbott, - - - - 44 

THE DINNER, - - - - 47 

Speech of Mr. Daniels, - - . - - - 47 

" Mr. Peabody, ------ 51 

•* Governor Gardner, - - - - ^ - 53 

" Hon. Edward Everett, ----- 56 

Song of Welcome, by Mrs. Joel R. Peabody, - - - 66 

Speech of Mr. J. B. C. Davis, 68 

" President Walker, ----- 72 

*• Mayor Mescrvy, ----- 72 

" Prof. C. C. Felton, 74 

Ode, by Mrs. George A. Osborne, - - - - - 78 

Speech of Mr. Charles Hale, - - . - - 79 

" Judge Wliite, - - - - - - 82 

" Judge Upham, ------ 83 

" Mr. Carmthers, ------ 85 

" Mr. Charles W. Upham, - - - - 86 

Ode, by Miss Harriet W. Preston, . - - - 88 

Toasts and Sentiments, - - - - - - 88 

Letters, -------- 89 

Evening Levees, - - - - ■ * -109 

The Next Day, ^^^ 

Conclusion, - - - " " ' - 118 



VI 



The Press, ...--.- 115 

From the Boston Evening Transcript, - - - - 115 

" " Boston Daily Advertiser, - - - - 119 

" " Boston Atlas, 120 

" " Boston Courier, - - - - - - 121 

" " Boston Traveller, - - . - - 121 

" " Boston Journal, - - - - - 124 

" " Salem Gazette, 125 

" " Salem "Register, 125 

" " New York Times, 130 

" " American Journal of Education, ... 131 

" " London Times, - - - - - 133 

HISTORY OF THE INSTITUTE, - - 135 

Prefatory, -------- 136 

Historical Sketch, - - - - • - - - 137 

Mr. Peabody's Sentiment and Letter, - - - ' - 138 

Government of the Institute, - - - - - 143 

Donors and Donations to the Institute, . - - - 145 

Laying of the Corner-Stona, - - - - - 147 

Remarks of Mr. Daniels, - - - - - - 147 

Address of Mr. Abbott, - - - - ' - - 148 

Speech of Hon. Abbott Lawrence, - - - - 153 

" Mayor Seaver, of Boston, - - - - 155 

" Mayor Huntington, of Salem, - - - 157 

" Hon. George S. Hillard, - - - - 157 

:Mr. C. W. Upham, - - - - - 159 

Epistle to Future Generations, ----- igi 

Dedication, - - - - - - -165 

Mr. Daniels' Remarks, - - - - - - 165 

Original Hymn, --..... i67 

Address of Hon. Rufus Choate, - . - - - . les 

Speech of Hon. Geo. S. Hillard, ----- igs 

Hon. D. A. White, - . - - - - 184 

" Hon. Asahel Huntington, - - - - 184 

Gov. "Washburn's Letter, - - - - -.- 186 

Lyceum and Library, -..-.. jgy 

List of Lectures and Lecturers, - - - - - 187 

Rules and Regulations of the Library, - - - - 192 



CI! 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Bust of Mr. Peabody, by Jones. 

Portrait of Mr. Pealwdy. 

View of Peabody Institute, South Danvers. 

Arch on Maple Street, Danvers. 

T. A. Swectser's Residence, and Shopof Capt. Sylvester Proctor, S. Danvers. 

Arch at Danversport, and Residence of Hon. James D. Black. 

Lexington Monument, S. Danvers, and Residence of Hon. R. S. Daniels. 

Ai'ch on Liberty Street, Danversport, and Residence of M. Hooper, Esq. 

Webster Club Arch, Main Street, South Danvers. 

Arch at Danversport, near the Baptist Church. 

Main Street, South Danvers, from Francis Dane's store. 

Residence of Eben Sutton, Esq., opposite the Institute. 

View of Wan-en Bank, Main Street, South Danvers. 

Village Bank, Danvers, and Residence of Samuel Preston, Esq. 

Residence of Mr. Abel Proctor, and Arch on Holten Street. 

Store of Francis Dane, Esq., on the Square, South Danvers. 

Residence of Wra. L. Weston, Esq., Danvers. 

Lowell Street, witli Arch and Congregational Church. 






'Lt 1&; © lAi ig !|; li'^ I?: ,^\ isi [ul [nj 

J.H fli.lloi.ls I ,0. 



THE RECEPTION. 



INTRODUCTION. 

The Reception and Dinner in honor of Mr. Peabody, an 
account of which it is proposed to offer in this publication, was 
given by a joint arrangement between the towns of Danvers 
and South Danvers, which constituted the ancient town of 
Danvers. The initiative was taken by South Danvers, at a 
legal public meeting, held on petition of the Trustees of the 
Peabody Institute, on the 21st day of August, 1856 ; when, 
on motion of Hon. A. A. Abbott, the following Resolutions 
were adopted, and a Committee of twenty-three gentlemen 
were chosen to carry into elFect the wishes of the inhabitants : — 

Whereas, reliable information has been received that George Pea- 
body, Esq., of London, a native of this town, whose life and character 
entitle him to our admiration and respect, and whose munificent dona- 
tions have identified him with our local interests and history, is about 
to revisit the United States, — therefore 

Resoh'ed, by us, the citizens of South Danvers, in town meeting 
assembled, that we hail with deep pleasure this promised realization of 
a long cherished wish, and praying for Mr. Peabody a prosperous voy- 
age, bid him a hearty welcome to his native town. 

Resolved^ That a committee of twenty gentlemen be chosen, whose 
duty it shall be, on the arrival of Mr. Peabody in this country, to invite 
him to this town, the home of his youth and the seat of his noble 
benefactions; and, if he shall accept theif invitation, to adopt such 
m(;asures for his reception and entertainment as, in their judgment, 
will best express the love and honor which we bear him. 

It was afterwards voted that an attested copy of the above 
Resolves be communicated to the authorities of the town of 
Danvers, with an invitation to unite in the propoised Reception. 



The Selectmen of the town were afterwards added to the 
Committee, increasing the number to twenty-three, as follows : 

Robert S. Daniels, Chairman. 



I 



Henry Poor, 
Lewis Allen, 
Eben Sutton, 
Elijah W. Upton, 
Francis Dane, 
Alfred A. Abbott, 
William Sutton, 
George Osborne, 
Joseph Jacobs, 
Nathan H. Poor, 
Kendall OsborN, 



Ebenezer King, 
Daniel Taylor, 
Richard Osborn, 
Stephen Blaney, 
Fitch Poole, 
Sydney C. Bancroft, 
John B. Peabody, 
John V. Stevens, 
Henry A. Hardy, 



■ ■■ ■■' Thomas M. Stimpson. 

Francis Baker, Secretary. 

Subsequently, namely, on the 10th day of September, the 
citizens of the town of Danvers adopted the following Resolves, 
and elected a Committee of twenty-one gentlemen to represent 
the views, and to carry into effect the wishes, of the people of 
that town : 

Resolved, By the citizens of Danvers in town meeting assembled, 
that we anticipate with much pleasure the promised visit of Mr. Peabody 
to his native land, and cordially bid him welcome to the place of his 
nativity. 

Rcsolred, That our thanks are due, and are hereby tendered to our 
sister town of South Danvers, for the invitation extended to cooperate 
with them in the reception and entertainment of Mr. Peabody, and 
while heartily concurring in the sentiments of the resolutions adopted 
by them, it will give us pleasure to cooperate with them in adopting 
such measures as will best accord with the views herein expressed ; and 
to this end, 

Resolved., That a Committee of twenty-one be chosen to take the 
requisite measures in cooperation with our friends in South Danvers. 

The following persons were then chosen to constitute the 

Committee : 

Joshua Silvester, Chairman. 



Samuel Preston, 
Ebenezer Hunt, 
Samuel P. Fowler, 
William L. Weston, 
Matthew Hooper, •' 
I. H. Putnam, 
Augustus Mudge, 
James D. Black, 
John A. Learoyd, 
Nathan Tapley, 



Philemon Putnam, 

Levi Merrill, 

Charles Page, 

Reuben Wilkins, 

William Endicott, 

William Green, 

Charles P. Preston, ! 

Benjamin F. Hutchinson, 

George A. Tapley. 

Arthur A. Putnam, Secretary. 



The Committees thus primarily chosen by the people of the 
two municipalities, afterwards met and organized as a joint 
Committee to make arrangements for the proposed festival in 
behalf of the old town of Danvers, as it existed previous to 
the separation. The expenses were to be borne by the inhab- 
itants of both towns, in the same proportion as if no division 
had taken place, with tlie exception of such as were strictly 
local in their character. 

The gentlemen composing the Joint-Committee of Arrange- 
ments were organized as a united Committee by the appoint- 
ment of Hon. R. S. Daniels as Chairman, and Francis Baker, 
Esq., Secretary, the two Town Committees still retaining their 
separate organization. 

Previous to the union of the two Committees, that of South 
Danvers appointed a delegation of five of their number, viz., 
Messrs. Daniels, E. Sutton, Allen, Dane and Abbott, to meet 
Mr. Peabody in New York, on his arrival in the country, and 
invite him to a public reception at his native town. A delega- 
tion was also sent on a similar errand from Danvers, consisting 
of Messrs. Silvester, Page, Hooper and Langley. 

Both delegations were cordially received by Mr. Peabody, 
who was much gratified and deeply affected on being informed 
of the designs of his townsmen, expressing his readiness to 
comply with their wishes, but at the same time strongly desir- 
ing that the affair might be conducted in a quiet and unosten- 
tatious manner and at as little expense as might be consistent 
with a public reception. 

Deputations were present, representing the merchants of New 
York and other commercial cities of the Union, to offer similar 
honors and eager to obtain audience, yet Mr. Peabody embraced 
the earliest opportunity to receive our Committees and express 
his unabated attachment to the place of his nativity. 

It is not proposed in these pages to give the details of the 
arrangements made, but only the results as they transpired in 
the course of the day. It may be proper to state that it was 
at first proposed, in Committee, that the celebration should be 
more strictly of a domestic character, a family meeting, to wei- 



come home one of its honored and long absent members, as 
well as an occasion to express gratitude to a public benefactor. 
In consequence, however, of the refusal of Mr. Peabody, in 
his letter to the New York deputation,* to accept any public 
demonstration, except from his own townsmen, a preference 
which they could not but regard as highly complimentary, as 
well as evincing his unabated love for the place of his nativity, 
they were induced to give the proposed ovation a more extended 
import. This was now understood to be the only opportunity 
to be afforded to the numerous friends of Mr. Peabody to unite 
in such a testimonial of gratitude and respect. The plan was 
therefore enlarged and invitations extended in a liberal manner 
Ho Mr. Peabody's friends in distant places. 

The presence of so large a number of Mr. Peabody's per- 
■sonal friends, many of whom had partaken of his hospitalities, 
and were eager to greet him at the first public welcome of his 



* The terms of this admirable letter are so honorable to the writer as well a.i 
:tlattering to his townsmen, that wo here insert it : — 

Newport, Monday, Sept. 22, 185G. 

Gentlemen.: — Your letter of the IGtli inst. is before me. Allow me to say 
Vithont affectation that no one can be more surprised than myself at the cordial 
weloome which vou extend to me. Had my commercial and social life in London 
produced even half the results with which your kiiiduess endows it, I should esteem 
myself more than repaid for uU labors there by such a letter, subscribed as it is by 
many old and dear friends, by gentlemen whose names in letters are coextensive 
withthe knowledge of our own language, and by merchants whose enteqirisc has 
carried the Hag of our country into every sea that commerce penetrates. 

If during my long residence in London the commennal character and honor of 
our countrymen" have stood ui>on an elevated ])osition, it has not been the result of 
my luinible (Hurts. In common with many of you, I have tried to do my part in 
aceoinplisliiug these ends. That the American name now stands wliere it docs in 
the commercial world, is maiidy owing to her merchants at home, who have extended 
her commerce till its tonnage equals that of any other nation, who have drawn to 
her siiores the wealth of other lands, under whose directions the fertile fields of the 
interior have been made accessible and jjeopled, and whose fidelity to their engage- 
ments has become proverbial throughout the world. 

It has been my pleasure during a long residence in London, to renew many old 
friendships, and to form many new acciuaintances among my countrymen and 
-countrywomen ; and it has been my good fortune to be permitted to cultivate these 
^in social life, where I have endeavored as much as possible, to bring my British and 
American friends together. I believed that by so doing I should, in my humble 
way, assist "to remove any prejudices, to soften political asperities, and to promote 
feelings of good will and fraternity between the two countries. It gives me great 
])leasure to be assured that my countrymen at home have symj)athized in these ob- 
jects, and Itelieved that they arc partially accomplished. The recent temporary 
estrangement between the two governments served to demonstrate how deep and 
cordial is the alliance between the interests and the sympathies of the two people. 
liv aiding to make individuals of the two nations known to each other, I sn])posed 
that 1 was contribntintj my mite towards the most solid and sure foundation of peace 



grateful countrymen, added new joy to the occasion. From 
being simply a village festival it became almost national in its 
character. Gentlemen of the highest standing among the 
learned professions and in mercantile and other pursuits, were 
here from abroad, to unite with us in the outpouring of grati- 
tude to one, whose benefactions, great as they have been to us, 
have not been limited to any narrow locality. 

In their gratitude for benefits showered upon themselves, his 
townsmen have by no means forgotten his wider sphere of 
benevolent action. His protection of State, and consequently 
of National Credit ; his generous hospitalities to his travelling 
countrymen, and his efforts to promote kindly and brotherly 
feeling between the people of kindred nations, are known and 
appreciated. They are not ignorant of his timely aid to the 
American exhibiters at the Crystal Palace, or of the humanity 
which prompted him to send forward the Arctic ships in search 
of Sir John Franklin. These and other instances of his claims 
to be considered as a " world's benefactor," impressed his 

and good will between them ; and while the power remains to nic I shall continue 
in a course which you approve. 

In returning to mr native land after an absence of twenty years, I had several 
objects in view. I wished once more to see the land of my birth and early youth, 
and the surviving members of my family; once more to greet my friends in every 
part of the country ; and to see and know the new generations that have come up 
since I left, and who are to l)e their successors. I also desired to visit every section 
of the Union, and to witness with my own eyes the evidences at home of the pros- 
perity of which I have seen abundant proofs abroad. Tiie twenty years that have 
elapsed since my last visit are the most important twenty years in the commercial 
history of America. Like Rip Van Winkle, I am almost appalled at the wonderful 
changes that already meet my eyes. Although, as you well know, I have not 
slumbered meanwhile in a Sleepy Hollow, I stand amazed at the energy and activity 
which characterize yoin- city. It is my wish and purpose to remain iu the country 
long enough to understand these changes and their causes. 

On mature reflection, gentlemen, I think that if I accept the hospitalities which 
have been tendered to me by yourselves, and by friends in Baltimore, Philadelphia, 
Boston and other cities, I shall very seriously interfere with the objects of my visit. 
I have, therefore, been obliged to come to the conclusion to refuse all invitations to 
dinner with the single exception of my native town of Danvcrs, in Massachusetts. 
I assure you most sincerely that I regret very much that my plans thus compel me 
to decline the high honor which you propose to confer upon me, and to deny myself 
the pleasure of meeting so many personal friends. 

With great esteem and respect, 

I am, gentlemen, your faithful servant, 

George Peabodt. 

Messrs. Nathaniel L. & George Griswold, Brown Brothers & Co., Duncan, iSher- 
man & Co., Grinnell, Minturn & Co., Goodliue & Co., Wetmore, Cryder & Co., 
Spofford, Tileston & Co., A. & A. Lawrence & Co., Washington Irving, WilliaiH 
B. Astor, Daniel Lord, George Newbold, John J. Palmer, William J. Wetmore, 
Charles Augustus Davis, E. Cunard and others. 



& 

townsmen with the belief, that their demonstration should have 
something of the character of hiternationalily. This feature 
was in some measure given to it by the presence of the British 
Consul, at Boston, and of other distinguished subjects of the 
United Kingdom. It was seen in the various decorations in 
our streets and upon our buildings, where the stars and stripes 
everywhere waved in amity with the cross of St. George. It 
was also manifest at the Dinner, where the utmost enthusiasm 
followed the mention of England's beloved Q,ueen. These 
tokens of friendly feeling, which it was so gratifying to us to 
exhibit, as the sincere expression of enlightened American sen- 
timent towards the fatherland, we are happy to learn have 
been warmly acknowledged by our transatlantic guests. 



DECORATIONS. 

As the decorations of our public streets and private residences 
would naturally attract the first attention of a visitor, and an 
account of them better present the scene as it existed during 
the progress of the Procession, it has been thought proper to 
give them the first place in the order of events to be described. 

It should be remarked that most of the decorations of private 

citizens were the work of a few hours' preparation on the day 

preceding the reception, or on the morning of the day itself. 

Yet the general good taste displayed, in giving the town an 

aspect of gaiety and joy, seems to render apology scarcely 

necessary. 

DANVERS. 

All the public buildings on Maple Street wore highly decorated; four 
beautiful flags floated from the spire of Rev. Mr. Fletcher's cliurch, 
and the railroad crossing near it was elegantly trimmed with evergreen 
and flags. The unfinished grammar schoolhouse bore the motto — 

"Frke Schools the Nation's Strength." 

The Village Bank building was ornamented with evergreen and stream- 
ers. Near this was the magnificent arch, which was admitted to be 
one of the most tasteful in design, and elegant in execution, ever seen 
in the country, and was decidedly the most splendid decoration on the 



whole route. It was a triple arch, the main one being forty feet wide 
and forty high, with lateral arches twenty feet wide and twenty high. 
Six large American flags floated above the principal arch, and on its 
very summit sal a large gilded eagle with spread wings. Across the 
arcli, in great letters, was the word 

" Welcome." 

From the under side were suspended six beautiful medallions, tastefully 
enwreathed with evergreen, and studded with gems of the richest flow- 
ers. The two central ones were red, six feet in diameter, and had in- 
serted on them, in gilt letters, — 

"He has honored us Abroad, we honor him at Home." 

On each side of these was one of blue, somewhat smaller than the red, 
but equally ornamented. In the center of one was the large gilt letter 
G. and in the other the letter P. 

The remaining medallions were white, with a splendid bouquet of 
flowers in the center, and richly enwreathed as the others. This su- 
perb structure was covered with green boughs and evergreens, and was 
decorated with blue, white, and red streamers. We understand this 
beautiful tribute was wholly domestic in its origin, erection and adorn- 
ments, the ladies bearing a conspicuous part in the latter, and that 
great credit is due in the premises to Joshua Silvester, Esq., who had 
enjoyed Mr. Peabody's hospitalities in London, and to others of his 
neighbors, who took an active part in its erection. 

Passing through this arch you came under a most magnificent dis- 
play of the flags of all nations. More than four hundred feet of line, 
attached at the corners, at an elevation of more than sixty feet, cross- 
ing each other over the center of the square in the form of a horizontal 
X, filled with the various flags of the maritime nations, emblematic of 
that peace and concord which Mr. Peabody has labored so assiduously 
to promote, had a striking efleci to elevate the mind and give wings to 
the best wishes of the heart, wafting them to all nations, tongues and 
people on the face of the globe. 

These, with the tasteful and airy decorations of the houses and 
stores on every side, made an exceedingly brilliant display, and will be 
long remembered by those who beheld it. It was said that this scene 
by moonlight was almost enchanting and seemed an entrance to a fairy 
land. So many were those who came from a distance to see these 
decorations, from the first Magistrate of the State to the more humble 
mechanic, in carriages, on horseback, on foot, by day and by night ; so 
many requested they might be kept up that others might see them, they 
were all sufTered to remain unchanged for several days, that both the 
ta.ste and curiosity of the people might be gratified. When the carriage 
in which Mr. Peabody rode, came under the arch, the procession was 
stopped, and Mr. Peabody stood erect, while an artist stationed for the 
purpose took a photographic impression of the scene. 

Of private decorations, several dwellings on liocust Street were hung 
with wreaths and bouquets, and a vase of beautiful flowers stood in 
each of the lower windows of Mr. Joel Putnam's residence. 

On Maple Street a graceful arcli spanned the gateway before Mr. 



• 8 

J. A. Learoyd's dwelling, which was beautifully ornamented with 
wreaths, festoons and flags. The store of F. Perley, Esq., was trimmed 
with pine boughs, evergreen and flowers. It bore the motto, — 

"Danvkrs Welcomes her Noble Son." 

Just below, the shoe manufactory of Mr. Charles Gould was orna- 
mented in a similar manner, with the motto — 

"Thy Native Land." 

The residences of Mr. 11. Preston and Messrs. Sanger and Stimpson 
were tastefully adorned with evergreen and brilliant flowers. A large 
American flag floated above the bakery. The dwellings of Deacon F. 
Howe and Samuel Preston, Esq., were trimmed with festoons and 
wreaths of flowers. 

On the Square, the store of Messrs. Perley & Currier and the adjoin- 
ing buildings were beautifully decorated with lu.xuriant foliage, wreaths 
of flowers, and streamers. In front of the residence of the late John 
Page, Esq., an American flag hung between two noble elms, and 
streamers extended from them to the brick building on the corner. A 
line of flags connected Mr. E. G. Berry's hotel with Mr. I). Richards' 
store ; both of which buildings were highly ornamented with forest 
trees, streamers and flowers. Small flags were displayed from every 
window in the front of Mr. F. Noyes' brick block. 

On High Street, the residences of Messrs. D. Clough, J. Spaulding, 
and S. Brown, were ornamented with arched gateways, flags, evergreen 
and flowers. On this street, at the dwelling of VV. L. Weston, JGsq., 
was a novel and beautiful display. A picture of Mr. Peabody, encircled 
by an elegant wreath, ornamented the front of the house, beneath which 
appeared the word 

"Welcome" 

in evergreen letters. Over the front door two American flags leaned 
gracefully : before them a platform was erected, which extended over 
the fence of the front yard ; it was draped with white and trimmed 
with gorgeous flowers. On this stood two lovely little girls (daughters 
of Mr. W.) dressed in white, holding white banners, with evergreen 
letters. Motto on the first, 

"We receive the Debt." 
On the other, — 

"We'll try to pay it." 



DANVERSPORT. 

Passing down from the Plains, we find by the brook leading into 
Porter's River, flags stretched across the street, on the largest of which 
and central one, was the word 

" Danversport," 

signifying to the passers by that the village by that name has its begin- 
ning at this place, — and here again the eye is gratified by the varied 
exhibitions of taste displayed in ornamenting the streets and residences 
of the inhabitants. 



9 

First is observable the residence of Mr. Philip Smith, which is one 
of the first dwelling houses met witii in entering the village. IJere 
were seen tasteful wreatiis of evergreen interwoven with flowers, and 
the inscription — 

"Welcome rEABOi>Y," 

wrought in evergreen, on white back ground, and with a border of 
green. 

Just beyond, in front of the residence of the Hon. James D. Black, 
a beautiful arch was constructed covered with evergreen, dotted with 
flowers, and bearing the motto, 

* "Dan VERS welcomes her Favorite Son ;" 

surmounted by a piece of carved work, in the form of a spire. Four 
national flags waved from its pillars. The residence of Mrs. J. Trask 
was decorated with wreaths and flowers. 

Mr. Black''s fine residence was also dressed with festoons of ever- 
green, encircling the pillars of the portico, and tastefully draped with 
bunting : beautiful bouquets of showy flowers and wreaths were dis- 
played, adding greatly to the efrect. Two national flags, diverging' 
from the top of the portico, waved to the breeze ; also, a flag and 
beautiful streamer from the tall and graceful flag-staff erected on the 
highest part of his grounds. 

Passing down. High Street presented to the eyes of the procession, 
as far as their vision could reach, a succession of decorations, giving 
to the occasion the appearance of a gala day indeed. The cottage of 
Capt. Thomas Johnson had flags displayed from the various angles with 
streamers festooned, &c. ; in the gable end, on the street, was tlie in- 
scription — 

" Welcome," 

encircled by a very handsome w^rcath ; above it, a gilt eagle sat perched 
in a thicket of evergreen, arranged in such a manner as to do credit to 
the natural instincts of that noble bird ; over the gateway was a small 
arch tastefully decorated. 

Opposite, Mr. Hezekiah Dwinell had erected a beautiful arch over 
the gateway leading to his residence. 

Capt. Henrv Johnson had a fine display of flags and streamers across 
the street, and the fence in front of his residence festooned with 
streamers. 

Mr. Charles Chaplin had caused a line filled with a variety of flags 
and banners, to be extended across the street in front of his residence, 

Mr, Peter R. Crowell also had a line of flags in front of his resi- 
dence. 

Again, another line of flags, opposite the house of Mr. Benjamin 
Kent, 

VVe next come to the splendid arch, by the Baptist Church, on the 
corner of High and Water Streets. This arch, although not of so 
great dimensions as the one erected on the Plains, was thought by 
many to be equal to anything ever before seen in this vicinity for de- 
sign and for its exquisite taste ; the general form was similar to the 
others, but the motto was placed in two festoons of gilt letters, on green 



10 

back ground, with a graceful festoon of oak leaves underneath. Bunt- 
ing of bright red and white draped the arch, and mottoes and national 
flags waved from its pillars. A splendid gilded eagle surmounted the 
whole. The motto, — 

"Danvers Welcomes a Nation's Guest," 

being considered appropriate to the occasion, as our guest had received 
invitations to partake of the hospitalities of the more important com- 
mercial cities of the nation. 

The Square, at the junction of High and Water Streets, presented a 
truly splendid show. Here were the flags of the largest dimensions 
placed, some of which were fifty feet in length. 

The stores of Messrs. T. J. Melvin and Pliineas Comins, and the 
residences of Messrs. E. M. Waldron and Dr. Ebon Hunt, were very 
tastefully ornamented by the display of bunting, festooned, evergreen 
wreaths, flowers, and shrubs. River Street, also, which was seen on 
the left of the route of the procession, had quite a display of flags, 
&.C. The line, with the Fremont and Dayton flag, in front of the 
store of Mr. Comins, had also two other national flags. 

Passing down Water Street, the procession passed under a beau- 
tiful wreath, of a diameter of ten feet, suspended from the limb of 
the noble old elm in front of the dwelling-house owned by Mr. M. 
C. Oby ; this wreath was the handiwork of Mr. Oby, and bore the 
inscription, in large letters, extending across the same, 

" Welcome." 

The residence of Mr. Wm. Endicott had a small arch erected over 
the gateway, bearing the inscription, — 

"Oun Benefactor." 

The stores of Messrs. Warren and Wm. Black were also finely 
dressed with flags, bunting, bouquets, and evergreen trees and boughs. 
Flags of all nations suspended above the street, in front of the resi- 
dence of Maj. Moses Black. 

The wool store of M. Black, .Tr. & Co. made the most magnificent 
display of flags in the village. A line containing fifteen flags, no 
two of them alike, stretched across the street ; another containing 
three large national flags, surmounting the first, the central one bear- 
ing the motto — 

" Eijucation's Friend." 

Out of nine windows in the upper stories of the tall storehouse were 
suspended as many American flags. The carved lamb, erected about 
midway of the height, had a beautiful wreath of evergreen and flowers 
around its neck ; the whole tastefully draped with streamers. The 
ship[)ing in port caught the enthusiasm of the occasion and made a 
very fine display, with their flags and streamers at masthead. 

Passing to the Danvers Iron Works, we noticed another exceedingly 
tasteful arch, erected over the entrance of Liberty Street. This added 
materially to the series of arches, with mottoes, in this part of the town. 
Across the arch were put thirty-one silvered stars, on blue ground. 



II 

representing the thirty-one States in tlie Union. Beneath were sus- 
pended three testoons, on wliich were inscribed the motto, — 

"A FuiEND — AT Home and Abroad." 

The wliole remaining portion of the arch was well covered with green 
bonghs, with bunches of flowers interspersed, and a gilded eagle, with 
spread wings, on the summit. At this point there was also a fine dis- 
play of flags, suspended far up above the street, from the mansion of 
Mathew Hooper, Esq., on which was the inscription, extending across 
two sides of the large house, in large letters — 

" God will Bless, and Man suould IIonoe, a World's Benefactor." 

"G. P." 

At this point is the termination of the village proper, called Danvers- 
port, of which it may not be considered out of place or improper to 
give a passing notice. This village, formerly called the " Neck," 
afterwards " New Mills," was one of the first spots selected by the 
founders of Danvcrs as an eligible locality for the establishment of a 
settlement : the first inhabitants regarding its " mill privileges " as 
superior to any in its vicinity. It is situated upon three arms of the 
sea known as " Porter's, Crane, and Waters Rivers," all of which are 
navigable. The facilities afforded by these avenues to commerce 
have had a tendency to foster those branches of business that look to 
emolument by trade upon the mighty deep. The depth of water not 
being great, no great metropolis could be expected to have grown up. 
In the earlier days the fathers built vessels, and carried on the fishing 
business, where now wharves are seen well stocked with merchandise. 
This being the most inland approachable navigable locality, for several 
flourishing towns in the vicinity, the business of the place, instead of 
being turned to manufacturing and producing, as in other portions of 
the town, has, by the force of circumstances, been made to consist 
almost exclusively of a mercantile character. It is here that the farmers 
and mechanics of the manufacturing villages obtain those necessaries 
of life which their branches of industry fail to supply ; such as flour, 
corn, molasses, salt, coal, wood, lumber, lime, cement, and many arti- 
cles of minor importance, which are obtained only by transportation 
by water. Trade, that a few years since was considered almost of no 
comparative account, has grown, keeping pace with the rapidly in- 
creasing prosperity of the manufacturing villages, until the statistics 
are alike startling and cheering to the staid, sober citizens of riper age. 
The arrivals are some two hundred yearly ; vessels of various capacity 
of burden, from one hundred to two hundred and fifty tons, all engaged 
in carrying the actual necessaries of life. The facilities for carrying 
on the mercantile business are such that with the railroad communica- 
tion to the back country, the importance of this place as a business 
locality must be more and more appreciated. With an appropriation 
for the deepening and straightening the channel, such as are obtained 
frequently from the General Government for internal improvements in 
localities less deserving, the facilities for navigation might be greatly 
improved, and Danversport would become one of the most important 
business localities in the Commonwealth. 



1^ 



SOUTH DANVEUS. 

At the junclion of Aiidover, Central, and Liberty Streets, more fa- 
miliarly known in former days as the " Pine Tree," a rustic arch 
spanned the street, composed entirely of oak and pine branches, and 
evergreens, and having a line of wreaths intertwined with flowers. 

Near this arch is a small gambrel-roof house of considerable historic 
interest as iiaving once been, in his youthful days, the residence of the 
philosopher Bowditch. On this humble dwelling was a panel with the 
inscription — 

"The Home of Bowditch." 

The engine-house of the Torrent Engine Company was decorated 
with flags, evergreens, and pine trees. That unique group of faces 
carved on its front, which has always attracted so much of the atten- 
tion of travellers, was made more expressive by fresh coloring, and 
those queer-looking figures seemed to look down with astonishment on 
the scene before them. 

Flags were suspended across the street near this point, and in the 
center of the line the word 

" Welcome," 
and on the reverse, 

" Peabody." 

Flags were also suspended from the house of Henry M. Osborn to 
that of the late Mr. Stephen Osborn. 

At the residence of .Miles Osborn, Esq., where Mr. Peabody and the 
guests of the Committee were entertained, an array of bunting extended 
from the front, with a line of flags across the street to the house of Mr, 
Stephen Peabody, while the American flag floated from the top of the 
house, all making a good display. 

The schoolhouse was gayly adorned with festoons and wreaths of 
evergreens, and a portrait of Mr. Peabody surmounting the motto — 

" God loveth the Cheerful Giver ; so doth the Receiver." 

The house was further adorned with the Peabody coat-of-arms, paint- 
ed by a promising and meritorious young artist of this district, Mr. Asa 
Bushby, Jr. 

A line of flags was also seen across the street near the residences of 
Messrs. William Osborn, Samuel Cheever, P. G. Folsom and others. 
Another from the residences of Ira D. Foster and .lames Perrv. 

William Potter's house was nearly covered in front with streamers, 
bouquets and evergreens, and a noble elm at the corner of Elm Street, 
from which the latter received its name, was twined with bunting. 

There was also a fine flag floating across Elm Street. 

The residence of Hon. Henry Poor, on the other corner of Elm 
Street, was splendidly decorated, and had triangular flags in front. 

A fine arch at this point spanned Central Street, with the inscription — 

" The Boy of our Free Schools our noblest Benefactor." 
On Stevens Street a line of flags and wreaths extended from the 



13 

residence of John V. Stevens to Mr. S. Newman's house, hcarin" the 
motto — 

" Wklcome Home." 

The house of Nathan H. Poor, Esq., Town Clerk of South Danvers, 
was also decorated with hunting and wreaths of evergreen. Mr. Jos. 
Fenderson's house was also decorated with wreaths. George M. Teel's 
house on Central Street was gayly dressed with bunting. 

At the square near the Old South Church, wliere Mr. Peabody for- 
merly worshijjped, the scene was particularly gay, most of the build- 
ings being elaborately dressed with flags, streamers, and bearing in- 
scriptions. Here was a noble arch, with British flags on either sid»-, 
and on the north side the words — 

" Welcome Home." 
and on the reverse — 

"A GRATEFUL PeOPLE GREET lUM." 

The large brick store occupied by Francis Dane and Amos Merrill 
was finely dressed, and a long line of flags extended quite across the 
square to the church. The corner of the building bore the motto — 

"Action is the Life of Virtue." 

Another arch, fronting Lowell Street, was finely draped with flags. 

General Foster Enginehouse, on Lowell Street, was decorated with 
flags. 

Lewis Allen, Esq.'s brick block, occupied by A. P. Phillips & Son, 
A. A. Abbott, C. F. Flint, and others, was fully dressed, and over the 
Post Office a full length portrait of Washington. Above this was a 
spread Eagle, holding streamers in his beak, which were festooned 
broadly on the building, and underneath, the word 

" Welcome." 

Underneath the portrait of Washington were the words 

" Sacred to Liberty." 

From each corner of the building were thrown flags in profusion; 
extending from this to Warren Block was a line of flags — a Mexican 
flag captured at Chapultepcc, and others. 

The new Warren Bank Building was finely dressed with drapery, 
evergreens and flowers. It bore the motto — 

" We welcome home the heart unchanged 
By honors, wealth, or courtly vowek." 

Across the entire front extended the word 

" Welcome," 

each letter being enclosed in a wreatli of evergreen. This fine build- 
ing was farther beautifully adorned by a bright display of ladies in the 
balcony in front. 

The estate of Hon. George Osborne was elaborately decorated with 
the English and American colors. Two very large and new English 
and American ensia;ns, flanking the extreme right and left of his 



14 

grounds, connected by {)enn.ints and streamers to the center of the 
mansion, from whence were draped two elegant flags of the two na- 
tions, decorating in graceful folds each side front of the house. Gar- 
lands and bouquets of natural flowers, as pendents of the flags, relieving 
the center. 

At Orlando E. Pope's, two flags were displayed, American and 
English, with the words — 

"A Youth's TninuTE," 

trimmed with evergreen. 

The British flag was a trophy taken by the grandfather of the young 
man in 1814 at Plymouth, where, at the time, he was commandant at 
the fort. 

The shop occupied by Mrs. Lord was tastefully decorated, having in 
front a portrait of Capt. Sylvester Proctor, taken some years since. 
Underneath which was this inscription — 

" Sylvestek Pkoctor, the early friend and patron of George Peabody. 
His works do praise him." 

Red and white streamers depended from the roof arching over the 
portrait, and were festooned across the windows below, which were 
trimmed with evergreens, and adorned with bouquets of flowers. 

It was here that Mr. Peabody passed several of his youthful years, 
" receiving from Mr. Proctor and his excellent lady," as he himself 
remarked, " parental kindness, and such instructions and precepts as, 
by endeavoring to practice which, in after-life, I attribute much of my 
success." 

The front windows and interior were ornamented by the occupant 
with beautiful bouquets, tastefully arranged, presenting a neat and 
graceful appearance. 

Next to this was the building occupying the site of the house where 
Sylvester Proctor, the early friend and patron of Mr. Peabody, was 
born, and where also was the first law-office of the Hon. Rufus Choate, 
was beautifully adorned for the occasion. On the house, under a can- 
opy of American flags, was displayed a fine portrait of Sylvester Proc- 
tor, painted by Mrs. Sweetser, the lady of T. A. Sweetser, the occu- 
pant. Under the upper windows was a beautiful arrangement of 
dahlias, of various colors, forming the name of 

" George Peabody." 

Next below, in letters of box, was the motto, 

" True Nobility." 

At each side of these inscriptions were large bouquets, formed of 
the variegated forest leaves of the season. Suspended from the cor- 
ners of the house, across the front, were long wreaths of dahlias of all 
colors, blended with evergreens, and tastefully festooned. 

On the second story, in large letters of box, was inscribed — 

"International Friendship;" 

below which were intertwined American and English flags, which were 
united by the American shield. Wreaths of forest leaves were ex- 



s 



C/5 



r CO 




15 

tended, at tliis point, from one side of tlie liouse to the otlier. Upon 
the windows in the third story were twined, in the form of shields, 
American pennants. In front of all, curving from the center of the 
caves to the trees upon tlie sidewalk, were long streamers of green and 
yellow twined with the American pennant, that gracefully relieved the 
decorated face of the huiiding. Tiie embellishments were in fine 
keeping with the color of the house, and their harmony and taste were 
very generally admired. 

The house of Mr. Franklin Walker was dressed with wreaths of 
evergreens, its interior also being decorated with vases of flowers, por- 
traits enclosed in wreaths of evergreen interspersed with flowers. 

Mr. E. W. Wood's house was ornamented in front with wreaths and 
festoons of evergreens and flowers and an American flag. 

The house of Mr. Eben S. Howard was also decorated with wreaths 
and flowers. 

Eagle Enginehouse had a fine display of national and signal flags, 
with a fio-ure of a fireman on the cross-trees of the flac-staff'. On the 
front was inscribed, in large size, the letter " P." 

The new brick mansion of Eben. Sutton, opposite the Institute, had 
a pyramidal bower of flags and bunting in front, making a unique dis- 
play of much beauty. lion. Edward Everett stood on the portico of 
this house and witnessed the progress of the procession, recognizing 
Mr. Peabody as he passed, amidst the shouts of the spectators. The 
meeting of these two gentlemen, at the same place, after the return of 
the procession, was a most hearty greeting, and one of the interesting 
events of the day. 

The front of the Peabody Institute was the central point for deco- 
rations as well as for the principal exercises of welcome to our distin- 
guished guest. A cone of streamers of various colors, suspended from 
the peak of the I'oof, were festooned below, and in the center was a 
tablet with the historic inscription, 

Founded June 16, 1852. 

Dedicated to Knowledge and Morality, 

Sei'tember 29, 1854. 

Over the tablet was the Peabody Arms, surmounted by an eagle and 
canopied by American and British flags, the whole making a neat and 
beautiful appearance. A multitude of flags of different nations, the 
stars and stripes and the British ensign waving in close proximity, 
floated high above the street ; and just beneath, over the center, streamers 
radiated in every direction from a scroll emblazoned with the name of 

" Peabody," 

making a complete and brilliant canopy. The whole was conceived 
in excellent taste and made a most attractive exhibition. 

The house of Mr. Samuel Ham, near the Institute, was tastefully 
decorated with flags. 

Samuel Harris's house was ornamented with evergreen in wreaths 
and festoons, also with flags. 

Benjamin Wheeler's house was decked with flags and streamers. 



M 

The heautifiil in.insion of Benjamin S. VVHiccler was elaborately 
dressed with streamers of various colors, making one of the most at- 
tractive shows in the street. 

The Union Store was embellished with pine boughs and flags. 

The residence of Mr. David Daniels, one of Mr. Peabody's earliest 
and most intimate friends, was handsomely decorated with bunting. 
From Mr. Daniels' store to that on the opposite corner across Wash- 
ington Street, a line of British and American flags bore the motto — 

"At the Coi:nti;u or on the Exchange, always Just and Tkue." 

The store occupied by George P. Daniels and Eben. S. Howard 
was finely dressed with bunting of various colors. 

The residence of Dr. S. A. Lord and G. W. Sargent was very neatly 
and tastefully decorated with wreaths of evergreen and a fine portrait 
of Webster. 

Here was erected a magnificent arch, appropriately trimmed with 
evergreen and bunting, and bearing the inscription. 

Honor to Whom Honor is Due. 
Webster Cluu. 

Above the keystone of the arch was a bronze bust of Webster, and 
upon the keystone the word "Peabody" was emblazoned, surrounded 
with gilded stars and festooned with evergreen. On the columns were 
the names distinguished in our local history, Holtc^n, King, Ward, 
Fosters, Osborn, Proctor, Bowditch and Putnam. On the top of one 
column was the word 

" LlBEUTY ;" 

on the other, 

" Union." 

This arch was erected by the W^ebster Club. 

Flags were suspended across the entrance of Ilolten Street, and a 
tablet with the following inscription — 

A Good Investment, Monet expended for the tromotion ok Knowl- 
edge AND Morality. 

Across Main Street, from George E. Meacom's, English and American 
flags were suspended, and the front of his store was gayly ornamented 
with bunting. 

The house occupied by Mr. Peabody was decorated with evergreen 
and flowers. 

The residence of Hon. A. A. Abbott was most beautifully embel- 
lished with flags and streamers extending to the trees in front ; and 
over the portico in front was a bust of Webster, with the national 
shield, and the word 

" Welcome." 

The pillars were entwined with flags. The whole presented a very pic- 
turesque appearance. 

The fine niansion of W. M. Jacobs, Esq., was tastefully adorned 
with bunting, and evergreen wreaths and festoons intertwined with 
flowers. Over his porch was exhibited a painting representing the Old 
South Church, as it existed at the time Mr. Peabody left this country 



17 

for England. On this painting was also represented a view of tlie 
encampment of the Danvers Light Infantry, under Capt. (now Gen.) 
Sutton, on the green, which at that time existed in front of the old 
meeting house. 

The store occupied by C. F. Hoi man was decked with streamers of 
red, blue and yellow, gracefully festooned. 

Mr. Paul Hildreth's house showed exquisite taste and skill in the 
making and arrangement of wreaths and festoons of evergreens and 
bouquets of flowers. 

Edward W. Jacobs' house was also similarly adorned with flowers 
and evergreen. 

A large American flag was suspended across Pierpont Street fronr'. 
the house of Mr. Joshua H. Poole. 

The house occupied by William Southwick displayed decorations of 
neatness and good taste. 

A line of flags of diflerent nations was suspended across Main Strec: 
in front of Gen. Sutton's brick store. 

Gen. Sutton's mansion was profusely embellished with bunting 
gracefully displayed, and made a splendid appearance. 

The residence of William Sutton, Jr., on Main Street, was hand- 
somely festooned with bunting. 

The house of Fitch Poole had festoons of evergreen and flags and 
shields, with the stars and stripes enclosed in wreaths. In his yard 
were statues of Victoria and Prince Albkkt, and between them, 
elevated on a pedestal, a bust of Washington. 

Volunteer Engine House was very finely arrayed with flags and 
streamers. Its front was spanned with an arch, bearing the motto — 

" The Fire ok true Gratitude : 
Water cannot Quench it." 

Near the top of the house was a gilt eagle, with a ring in his beak, 
from which streamers were suspended, on the front of the building. On 
either side was a figure of a fireman, and on each side of the arch a 
Union shield, with stars and stripes, and beneath it a representation of 
a fire engine. 

The house of Mr. Nathaniel Anable was decked with flags and 
pennons, a portrait of Washington, and wreaths of evergreen. In 
front of the house was erected a tall ladder, dressed with evergreen, 
and on the top round the name of 

"Pe.vbody." 
The allusion attracted much attention for the originality and aptness of 
its conception. 

Two flags were suspended across the street from 11. O. Spiiler's 
store, and on its front was the inscription — 

" George Peabodt, Benefactor of his Native Town." 

The residence of Mr. William Poor displayed fine taste in the selec- 
tion and arrangements of its decorations, and made a beautiful display. 

Nathan Pearson and William Cutler's residence was decked with 
wreaths and festoons of flags ; the windows dres.sed with evergreeii 
and bouquets. 
2 



18 

Flags were suspended across the street at the Old Elm Tree, the 
oid Salem boundary line, by C. A. Dearborn and others. 



HOLTEN STREET. 

This street, now so populous, had no existence at the time of Mr. 
Peabody's residence here, and is one example of the progress of the 
town in population and improvement. 

At its junction with Main Street was the display of a line of flags 
and inscription, as represented in the preceding account. 

The residence of G. A. Osborne, Esq., was hung with festoons ol 
streamers and evergreen, with a fine picture of Mr. Peabody in a gilt 
frame, bordered with choice flowers and wreaths of the same. Near 
it was a beautiful arch spanning the street, fancifully adorned with 
wreaths and the following inscription, each letter of which was exhibited 
on a white ground and enclosed in a wreath — 

" George Peabody, the Fkiend op the People." 

This arch was further decorated with pine boughs, flowers and flags 
and wreaths suspended from it. From beneath, hung flags and stream- 
ers, supported by a golden eagle, holding in its beak wreaths of beau- 
tiful flowers. 

The house of Mr. Elijah W. Upton attracted general notice for the 
neatness and beauty of its decorations. 

The houses of Mr. George P. Osborn and Mrs. H. Robbins were 
also appropriately embellished. 

The mansion of Mr. Abel Proctor, in Sewall Street, was highly 
dressed with flags and streamers. 

Stephen Osborn's house, on Holten Street, was gayly dressed with 
festoons and streamers. 

Across the street, opposite the premises of Mr. Abel Proctor, was 
another fine arch, supported by pine trees decorated wnth flags and 
wreaths of evergreen, with the inscription — 

" Respected and Honored on both sides of the Atlantic." 
" George Peabody." 

With coat of arms. On the obverse : 

"George Peabody — a Noble Representative of American Merchants." 

Mr. John Pindar's house was adorned with evergreen and display of 
bunting. 

Flags were displayed across the street fi'om the houses of Mr. John 
Birbeck and Mr. Lauriston Stiles. 

Mr. Francis K. Pcmberton's house was dressed with pennants and 
wreaths. 

The houses of Mr. Dennison W. Osborne and John S. Grant were 
largely decorated with wreaths and pennants. 

Another fine arch extends across the street, finely draped with flags, 
bearing the inscription — 

"George Peabody, a Man who is a Man." 
The head was finely decorated with small flags. 



19 

Levi Spaul(iinn;'s house was fully dressed, with displays of hunting, 
as was also that of T. W. Carr. 

The cottage house of Mr. Joseph Moore was neatly and tastefully 
decorated with wreaths of evergreen and flowers, and streamers of 
various colors. 



WASHINGTON STREET. 

Mr. Benjamin Oshorn's house exhibited red and white streamer-, 
festooned. 

The house of Levi Trask had wreaths of evergreens. 

Mr. Samuel Symonds' house had a fine display of streamers and 
trimmings of oak leaves. 

At Mr. Joseph E. Goldthwait's, an arch was erected neatly trimmed, 
on which was a white flag, with the name 

" Peabody," 

and beneath it a single star, enclosed in a circle, and under it the 
words — 

" Welcome, Frienb of Education." 

This is a part of Washington Street, near the Dinner Tent, at the 
entrance to which was an arcli, with the word — 

" Welcome." 

From this arch streamers extended to the door of the tent. The in- 
terior was dressed gayly with bunting, stretching from the tent poles to 
the outer sides, and behind the guests was a grey eagle in full plumage. 

In Wright's large tent plates were laid for thirteen hundred persons. 
In the rear was a smaller tent, for the accommodation of the children, 
which will seat fifteen hundred. The dinner was by J. B. Smith, the 
well known caterer. 

There was also suspended from one of the tent-poles a spread eagle 
with the Union shield on his breast, and holding in one claw the Amer- 
ican and in the other the British flag. From his beak were the words 

" Engl.ind my Abiding place, America my Home." 

This fine design was the work of Messrs. Philip and William Blaney. 

The house of Joshua Giddings was finely dressed with red and white 
streamers, displayed on its front. 

William H. Lord's house was elegantly draped with flags and 
streamers and wreaths of evergreen. 

Near this place was an arch thrown across the street, and it may 
safely be said that the .scene presented in this immediate locality was 
one of the finest on the entire route. 

At the mansion of Charles K. Brown, Esq., flags and streamers, 
with other decorations, were tastefully displayed, and made a handsome 
appearance. 

The house of Caleb S. Currier was well decorated with bunting, and 
a line of flags extended across the street. 

The fine residence of Mr, John O. Poor was beautifully decorated 



20 

with flags, shields of Union with stars and stripes, and a variety of 
other ornaments, with the word 

• " Wklcome " 
on an evergreen tablet. 

Tlie house of Mr. E. W. Fornis was similarly adorned with flags, 
streamers and evergreens. 

The residence of A. F. Clark was tastefully dressed with flags, «Stc., 
with the inscription over the entrance — 

" Hail, Noble Patron," 

with decorations of various colored dahlias and wreaths of flowers. 

Across the street is a line of American flags, with the word on white 
ground — 

" Pkabody." 
On the obverse — 

" The True Value of Wealth is its Right Use." 

The residences of Eben. S. and George P. Daniels, was also deco- 
rated, and over the entrance was the inscription — 

" Welcome to our Guest." 

The adjoining residence of Thorndike P. Daniels was also tastefully 
adorned, and over the entrance — 

" We all Unite to Honor Him." 

Across the street is another fine arch, surmounted by an eagle and 
■dressed with flags. 

The residence of Hon. Robert S. Daniels, president of the day, pre- 
sented a fine appearance ; the entire front was beautifully decorated with 
flags and streamers, with the motto over the entrance — 

" Welcome to ock Benefactor." 

At this point, across the street, is a line of various flags, with the in- 
scription, ^ 
" Honor to Him who Loves to Honor His Country." 

The old Lexington Monument was tastefully decorated with wreath."! 
ajod jflags. 



J* 




■^'*i^e ''~ ^ 5^ ^ 



fc'^^f^.N 



4^' 



7^. 



m - 




21 



ARRANGEMENTS. 

The Joint-Committee held frequent meetings at the rooms of 
the Peabody Institute, dividing their labors by ihe appointment 
of Sub-Committees, to whom were committed the duties par- 
ticularly adapted to each. The result of their preparations, up 
to a few days previous to the day of Reception, is foreshadowed 
in the following programme. The more complete arrange- 
ments for the procession will be found in the Chief Marshal's 
notice, which follows. 

Jprograiiimc. 

PEABODY RECEPTION. 

The Committee of Arrangements, appointed severally by the two 
towns of Dauvcrs and South Danvers, have jointly adopted measures 
for a public reception of George Peabody, of London, on his contem- 
plated visit to his native town. 

The time fixed for the proposed reception, after conference and cor- 
respondence with Mr. Peabody, is Thursday, Oct. 9th, 1856. 

THE ARRANGEMENTS. 

The arrangements are not yet completed, but such progress has been 
made, that the Committee feel authorized to announce that the princi- 
pal features of the occasion will be a Procession, in wliich the Schools 
will form a prominent part ; an Address of Welcome, in behalf of the 
citizens, by Hon. Alfred A. Abbott ; a Public Dinner, in a tent or 
pavilion ; and a Levee in the evening. It is, however, understood that 
the proposed Levee will not be accompanied with music or refresh- 
ments, but is intended for the simple purpose of affording ladies and 
gentlemen an opportunity for a personal introduction to Mr. Peabody. 

THE RECEPTION. 

The Committee will first meet Mr. Peabody on Maple Street, near 
Rev. Mr. Fletcher's Church, at 10 o'clock in the morning, and thence 
he will be escorted by a cavalcade, by the most direct route through 
Danversport, to the head of Central Street, where the several bodies 
composing the procession will be drawn up to receive him. The Com- 
mittee have invited the Town Authorities, the Schools, the members of 
the Fire Departments, strangers from abroad, and our own citizens, to 
join the procession ; and they have also invited the Divisionary Corps 
of Cadets, under Capt. Foster, to perform escort duty. It is also under- 
stood that a cavalcade will form a part of the procession. Other organ- 
ized bodies or voluntary associations which may wish to join in the 
procession, are requested to notify the Chief Marshal, who will assign 
them their places. 



22 



thp: procession. 
Gen. Wm. Sutton has been appointed Chief Marshal of the clay, 
who will select his Aids, and a sufficient number of Assistant Marshals 
will be appointed. The procession will move, immediately after receiv- 
ing Mr. Peabody, through Central and Main Streets, to the Salem 
boundary line, countermarch to Ilolten Street, through Holten, and 
return by Washington and Main Streets to the Peabody Institute, where 
the address will be delivered. After the exercises at the Institute, a 
new procession will be formed, consisting of holders of tickets to the 
dinner, and the schools, who will proceed to the tables under military 
escort. 

THE DECORATIONS. 

It is also proposed that the streets and houses on the route of the 
procession shall be decorated in such manner as the taste of individuals 
or neighborhoods may dictate, in addition to such decorations as may 
be provided by the Committee. 

THE DINNER. 

Hon. Robert S. Daniels has been appointed President of the Day, 
and will preside at the dinner, assisted by Rev. Dr. Braman, as first 
Vice President, and such other Vice Presidents as may be hereafter 
designated. 

Tickets for the dinner, at $1.50 each, may be had at the following 
places, viz. : Francis Dane's, Amos Merrill's, Thomas A. Sweetser's, 
and George E. Meacom's, South Danvers ; Post Office, at Danvers 
Plains ; T. J. Melvin's, Danversport ; F. A. & R. Wilkins, Danvers 
Center ; and J. E. Tilton's, Salem. 

It is expected that ladies, as well as gentlemen, will partake of the 
public dinner. 

It is earnestly desired that gentlemen may purchase tickets for them- 
selves and their friends iimnediately^ as the number to be provided for 
must be limited to the demand for tickets, and the sale of tickets will 
stop on Monday next. 

For the Committee of Arrangements, 

Francis Baker, Secretary. 

South Danvers, Oct. 3, 1856. 



Maj. Gen. William Sutton was appointed Chief Marshal of 
the day, svith the following Aids and Assistant Marshals : 

Aids. 

Warren M. Jacobs, William Potter, 

George M. Tkel, C. C. Piper, 

D. A. Varney, a. G. Allen. 

Assistant Marshals. 

Dr. D. C. Perkins, Edward W. Fornis, 

Miles O. Stanley, . Aaron F. Clark, 

Benj. S. Wheeler, Wm. C. Rogers, 

RuFus II. Brown, Isaac B. Elliott, 

Benj. T. Tilton, Alfred Ward. 
Sam'l Syhonds, 



23 

€l)ief illarsljal's 2Coticc. 
ORDER OF PROCESSION, 

^1/ the Reception of Geokge Peabody, Esq., of London, at South Dnn- 
vers, his native place, in old Danvers, Thursday, Oct. 9, 1856. 

Mr. Peabody is expected to arrive at the place of his first reception 
on Maple Street, at 9 o'clock, A. M., and will be escorted to the junc- 
tion of Liberty and Central Streets, by a cavalcade. The procession 
will be here formed at 10 o'clock, A. M., and arranged in the following 
order : — 

Escort, consisting of tlie Divisionary Corps of Im]c]5endcnt Cadets, 

under Capt. Foster, with Gilmore's Brass Band. 

Ciiief Marshal and Aids. 

Committee of Arrangements on foot. 

Mr. Peabody in a barouche, witli Hon. Eobcrt S. Daniels, President of the Day. 

Governor of the Commonwealth and other invited guests in carriages. 

Municipal Authorities of Danvers and South Danvers, on foot. 

Marshal. 

Present and Past Trustees of the Peabody Institute. 

Present and Past Members of the Lyceum and Lilirary Committee of the In.stitute. 

Marshal. 

Band. 

Marshal with Aids. 

Teachers and Pupils of the Peabody and Ilolten High Schools, with 

Peabody Medal Scholars. 

Marshal. 

Graiuinar, Intermediate, and Primary Schools. 

Marshal. 

Citizens and Strangers. 

Marshal of Fire Department and Aids. 

Band. 

Engineers and Fircwards of the Fire Departments of the two Towns. 

Marshal. 

Engine Companies arranged in the order of precedence as established by the old Town 

of Danvers. 

Marshal with Aids. 

Cavalcade of Ladies accompanied by Gentlemen. 

Marshal with Aids. 

Mounted Band. 

Cavalcade of Gentlemen. 

Th(; procession will move through Central and Main Streets to the 
boundary line of Salem and South Danvers, countermarch to Holten 
Street, through Holten, Pleasant, Washington and Main Streets, to the 
Peabody Institute, where the public exercises of welcome will take 
place on the platform in front of the building. 

On arrival at the Institute, a space will be cleared to admit the pro- 
cession to the front of the platform. 

The enclosure will be reserved for the teachers and pupils of the 
Schools, the Medal Scholars, and ladies holding tickets to the dinner. 
Ladies holding tickets will also be admitted into the building until the 
procession is formed to proceed to the dinner. 

After the exercises at the platform are concluded, a new procession, 
consisting of the holders of dinner tickets, will be formed in the follow- 
ing order : — 



24 

Escort. 

Chief Marslial and Aids. 

Members of Committee of Arrangements, with their Ladies. 

Guests. 

Gentlemen accompanied by Ladies. 

Gentlemen. 

On the arrival of the procession at the tables, Hon. Robert S. Daniels 
'.vill preside, assisted by the following gentlemen as Vice Presidents : 
kcv. Dr. Braman, Fitch Poole, Joshua Silvester, Dr. George Osborne, 
Moses Black, Jr., David Daniels, Henry Cook, Daniel Richards, Amos 
Osborn, Charles Lawrence, Henry Gardner, Joseph S. Black, Miles 
Osborn, A. A. Abbott, Otis Mudge^ Lewis Allen, Philemon Putnam, 
Bonj. Goodridge, Jacob F. Perry. 

A strong force of regular and special police will be employed to 
preserve order during the day and evening, and keep the streets in the 
route of the procession free from obstruction by carriages, and to see 
that the enclosure at the Institute is reserved. 

By order of the Committee of Arrangements : 

William Sutton, Chief Marslial. 

It will be seen that the time appointed for the proposed 
Reception and Welcome was the 9th day of October, 1856. 
For many days previous to that date, the inhabitants as well 
as the Committee were busily employed in preparations for the 
approaching festival. 

The several Schools, the Firemen, the members of the dif- 
ferent Cavalcades and the various bodies of Marshals were all 
actively employed in a generous rivalry'' to make the occasion 
one which should be creditable to themselves and honorable 
to their Guest. 



25 



THE PROCESSION. 

The sun rose on the 9th of October bright and beautiful. 
It was one of tliosc bland Indian Summer days peculiar to 
New Ejigland in the Autumn months, the serene atmosphere 
and clear skies contributing in no slight degree to the pleasure 
of the occasion. 

At an early hour the inhabitants were in motion, and the 
different branches of the two Cavalcades proceeded to Maple 
Street in North Danvers, marshalled as follows: — 

Chief Marshal of Cavalcades, 
W. J. C. KENNEY. 

Aids. 
Gkorge Portkr, Jacob Young. 



Chief Marshal of 1st Division ^ North Danvers, 
►Simeon Putnam. 

Aids. 
A. W. Tliompson, Phineas Corning. 

Assistant Marshals. 

Dr. Snow, Charles Smitli, Moses Black, Jr., 

M. C. Oby, George Taplcy, Joel Putnam, 

M. II. Boardman, G. W. Kenncy, E. Webster, 

Amos Prince, E. Legro, L. Dempsey. 



Chief Marshal of 2d Diirision, South Danvers, 
John A. Lord. 

Aids. 

D. VV. Osborn, John Pindar. 

Assistant Marshals. 

Joseph Fairfield, Mark H. Davis, Joseph Morrison, 

Henry A. King, Samuel Newman, Franklin Osborn, Jr. 

Benjamin M. Hills, William Perry, Wm. S. Osborn, 

Thomas W. Osborne, Daniel R. Davis, Sylvester Needham, 

Wm. H. Baldwin, Jos. B. Newhall, Mark Merrill, 

John G. Wolcott, Tyler Mudge, George Taylor. 



Chief Marshal of 3d Division, Ladies'* Cavalcade, 
Edward W. Jacobs. 

Aids. 
John B. Clement, George Upton. 

Assistant Marshals. 
Abel J. Proctor, John Moulton. 



26 

At about half past nine o'clock a salute of one hundred guns 
from a detachment of artillerists, procured by private enterprise, 
announced the arrival of Mr. Peabody at the place of reception 
at Maple Street, near Rev. Mr. Fletcher's church. Here he 
alighted from the private carriage in which he had come from 
Georgetown in company with his two sisters and a nephew, 
and, after being introduced to members of the Committee of 
Arrangements, took his seat in an elegant barouche, drawn by 
six horses, being accompanied by Hon. Robert S. Daniels, 
and Joshua Silvester, Esq., Chairmen of the Town Committees, 
and Rev. Dr. Braman. 

The scene here was very beautiful. The spire of the church 
and private buildings were gayly dressed with flags and stream- 
ers, and in full view was an elegant threefold arch spanning 
the wide street, the center arch rising high above the others, 
and being adorned with evergreens, wreaths, medallions, flow- 
ers, and flags. At this point the barouche, followed by the 
carriages containing the town authorities and Committee of 
Arrangements, came to a halt, and Mr. Peabody stood erect 
while a photographic artist fixed the scene on his plate. This 
view is presented to the reader in the lithographic drawing 
annexed. A more full description of this arch will be found 
in its appropriate place. 

The two Cavalcades were in waiting jnst below the arch, 
the Ladies' Cavalcade being on the right, or at the head of the 
Procession, and that of Gentlemen in the rear. 

The " Ladies' Cavalcade" added greatly to the novelty and 
variety of the show. The ladies were uniformly dressed with 
dark hats and riding habits, and their attendants with caps of 
uniform style, made expressly for this occasion. Each lady 
carried a fine bouquet of flowers, which was thrown into Mr. 
Peabody's carriage as he passed along, he gracefully acknowl- 
edging the compliment. 

At the head of the Gentlemen's Cavalcade rode the delega- 
tion from " Rockville," the village next to Lynn, comprised in 
School District No. 8. This was a fine body of men. uni- 
formly dressed in white pantaloons and dark coats. There 



27 

was also a good delegation from West Danvors. that portion of 
the town joining Lynnfield, and comprised in School Districts 
Nos. 7, 9, and 10. They were designated by each having a 
small American Flag attached to the bridle, on which were 
the letters W. D. 

The Cavalcade was preceded by a mounted Band of eight- 
een brass instruments, and, as the cortege took its line of 
march, the scene was lively and animating. The streets were 
thronged with a moving multitude, on foot and in carriages, 
eager to obtain a first sight of their benefactor and friend. As 
the procession moved on through streets lined with decorated 
houses, and uiider waving flags and triumphal arches, attended 
by the booming of cannon and strains of martial music, the 
shouts and salutations of the people were gracefully acknowl- 
edged by Mr. Peabody, as he bowed to the throng on either 
side. 

The Cavalcades and carriages must have extended nearly or 
quite half a mile, and, as the latter descended the hill near the 
residence of the late Capt. Benjamin Porter, the head of the 
procession was ascending the heights of Liberty Street. The 
scene here was truly grand and picturesque. A fine view 
might then be had of almost the whole of the Cavalcade, across 
Waters River, as it was seen winding its way, partially hid by 
the undulations of the ground, and partly in full view of such 
observers as were towards the rear of the procession. 

x\s the head of the Cavalcade arrived at Wilson's Corner, the 
place where the full procession was to form, it opened to the 
right and left, and the carriages passed through. Here the 
line of the procession was found already formed, the two 
Cavalcades remaining in the rear. As the barouche, with Mr. 
Peabody, passed along the lines of Military and Firemen, with 
their bright uniforms and the long ranks of gayly dressed chil- 
dren, with a dense throng of spectators in the background, he 
was received with deafening shouts. On his first entrance 
through the rustic Arch, at the head of the street, one of the 
bands of music struck up " Home, sweet Home," and after this 
was through, another played "God save the Q,ueen." At this 



28 

moment the pupils of the Holtcn High School, every alternate 
scholar holding an American and English flag, unrolled and 
waved them in the air, and then, in a moment, the twin ban- 
ners of two powerful and kindred nations were seen crossing 
each other, as if in loving union. This fine tableaux was hap- 
pily conceived and neatly executed. Mr. Peabody witnessed 
the scene with deep emotion. The band then played " Hail 
Columbia." 

Mr. Peabody now alighted, and, with other guests, partook 
of the hosj)italities of Mr. Miles Osborn at his new mansion on 
Central Street. 

After a short tarry at Mr. Osborn's, where he was introduced 
to many of his friends, Mr. Peabody again entered his barouche, 
accompanied by Messrs. Daniels and Silvester, and Hon. A. A 
Abbott, which then took its place in the procession. Another 
barouche received His Excellency Governor Gardner and his 
Aids, and other guests followed in carriages. 

The procession was formed nearly in the order announced 
in the notice of the Chief Marshal. The fine military corps of 
Independent Cadets appeared in very full ranks, numbering 
over 100 muskets, and made a very brilliant appearance. 
They were accompanied by Gilmorc's celebrated Band. 



FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Chief Marshal, 
JOHN V. STEVENS. 

Aids. 
Stephen Osborn. Timothy Hawkes. 

Assistant Marshals. 
Enrjine No. 2 — General Scott — Moses Chapman, Ebon. Currier. 
Enf^inc No. 3 — Torrent — Malachi Batchelder, Henry Wilson. 
Engine No. 5 — Eagle — Andrew J. Rurrcll, Warren Snow. 
Engine No. 6 — Ocean — Simeon A. Putnam, William Ncedham. 
Engine No. 8 — Volunteer — William Southwick, William Dodge. 

After the Escort came the Fire Department, which never 
appeared on a public occasion in fuller numbers, or in brighter 
array. All the companies were well uniformed, and all but 



29 

one in rod, with blue pantaloons and caps of varied patterns. 
One of the companies wore a handsome bhie frock coat, neatly- 
trimmed. This was the Eagle Company, No. 5, and appeared 
with 108 men, about half the number being volunteers from 
the Empire Company of Lynn. 

Engine Company No. 2, General Scott, from Danvers Cen- 
ter, came first in order, and appeared in a very neat uniform, 
with 53 members, accompanied by Bond's Cornet Band. Their 
Engine was handsomely decorated with blue and crimson vel- 
vet, with a border of gold and silver lace, together with an 
arch containing 31 silver stars, the American and English flags 
waving on either side. 

The "Torrent" Engine. No. 3, located at Wilson's Corner, 
or Pine Tree, was present with 43 members, handsomely uni- 
formed with red jackets and blue pants, and glazed caps. 
They were accompanied by two musicians. Their machine 
was gayly decorated. 

Eagle Engine Company, No. 5, whose Enginehouse is near 
the Peabody Institute, appeared with 50 of its own members, 
exclusive of volunteers, in a neat uniform of blue, with fire- 
men's caps. They had three musicians. 

The " Ocean," No. 6, came with 45 members, accompanied 
by the Beverly Band. They wore red shirts, with dark pants, 
and uniform caps. This Company is from Danversport. 

The " General Foster" Engine Company, No. 7, appeared 
with 59 members, and two musicians. Their dress was a red 
jacket, with dark pantaloons, and a blue cap with a red band. 
This Company is located in South Dan vers, near the Square, 
and its number has recently been changed to No. 2. 

Volunteer Company, No. 8, also of South Danvcrs, is located 
at the corner of Grove and Main Streets, near the Salem line. 
Its number has lately been changed to No. 4. It appeared on 
this occasion with 60 members, and Hall's Band of Boston, 
with 17 brass instruments. 

Their Engine made a gay appearance, being newly polished 
and varnished, and furnished with new leading ropes for this 
occasion. 



30 

It should be remarked, in acknowledgment of the zeal and 
public spirit of the Firemen, that the three full bands of music 
and other detached musicians were procured at the expense of 
the dilferent Companies, and, although a Band was tendered 
to the Department bj^ the Committee, the firemen generously 
yielded it up to the Chief Marshal, to be used in another part 
of the procession. 

The civic part of the procession, consisting of the Committee 
of Arrangements, the Municipal Authorities of the two towns, 
and the Trustees and Lyceum and Library Committee of the 
Peabody Institute, preceded the guests on foot. 

The two barouches, containing Mr. Peabody and the Gov- 
ernor of the Commonwealth, with their several associates, were 
followed by other carriages filled with gentlemen invited by 
the Committee. 



THE SCHOOLS. 

Next in order came the Public Schools. This most inter- 
esting and attractive display of more than Seventeen Hundred 
happy children, dressed in their gayest apparel, their faces 
radiant with joy, singing and shouting their welcomes to one 
they had been taught to esteem as their special benefactor, 
was a spectacle that could not but touch the hearts of all. All 
of them wore on their breasts the Peabody Badge, containing 
his portrait, and, as a motto, his world-renowned sentiment. 
Some of them also wore his own gift, the " Peabody Medal," 
as rewards of distinguished merit. Others were there who, 
year after year, are striving, with the impulse of a generous 
emulation, to deserve and obtain it. We could almost envy 
those who so proudly bore on that day this mark of honorable 
distinction. 

Feeling that no description would do justice to this very 
interesting part of the pageant, we shall only present a skele- 
ton account of the various schools, with the mottoes on the 
banners, and the names of the teachers and marshals : — 



31 

Chief Marshal for Schools, 

AMOS MERRILL. 

Aids. 
Ai.FKKD McKenzie, Moses Currier, 

Isaac Hardy, Jr., Edward Hutchinson. 

Assistant Maisluils. 
Peabody High Scliool — Ricliard ymith, J. W. Colcord. 
Holten High School — NathM Hills, John A. Learoyd. 
District No. 1 — Wni. N. Lord, Dennis Moore, Charles E. Brown, 

L. P. Brickett, Moses K. Sawyer. 
District No. 2 — Jos Merrill, E. T. Waldron, John Hincs, Richard 

Hood, Putnam Webb, Henry Fowler, Bcnj. 

Young, Charles McTntire, John Elliott. 
District No. 3 — John A. Scars, Thomas M. Putnam. 
District No. 4 — Caleb S. Brown, Daniel M. Very. 
District No. 5— J. P. Goodale, Henry O. Wiley, F. E. Pope, 

Porter Nason. 
District No. 6 — 
District No. 7 — Be man Viles. 
District No. 8 — George Maddin, Chas. B. Warner, Daniel Stone, 

Adino Page. 
District No. 9— H. D. Twiss. 
District No. 10 — John Smith. 
District No. 11— S. N. Mahew, Wm. S. Ladd, Thomas Wright, 

Edward Giddings, Samuel Swett, M. S. Clark. 
District No. 12— Joshua Buxten, Jr.', A. C. Osborn, Wm.' Wolcott, 

O. S. Butler, B. F. Haskell. 
District No. 13 — Thomas Barnett, John Proctor, C. Melvin. 
District No. I'l — J. L. Peabody, Andrew Cook, John White, Tho's 

G. Howell. 

The Marshals were assisted in the care of the pupils by La- 
dies selected for that purpose from the several Districts, who 
rendered essential service. 



PEABODY HIGH SCHOOL. 

This school numbered 45 scholars, under the charge of Mr. J. W. 
Colcord and Miss L. R. Wright. First came the boys carrymg a rich 
silk banner, green and white, handsomely fringed— on one side was 
inscribed the motto, — 

" Education, a Debt duk from Present to Future Generations." 

On obverse side, — 

Peabody High School, 
South Danveus, founded 1850. 
Also four small banners, representing Agriculture, Commerce, Manu- 
factures, and the Mechanic Arts. Thirty-one young ladies dressed in 
white, wearing green hats with silver stars on the run, with an American 



32 

flag worn as a scarf, representing the States of the Union, each carry- 
ing on a shield the coat of arms of the State represented. Three young 
ladies represented England, Ireland, and Scotland, being dressed in the 
national costume of those countries. The cflect was very beautiful. 



IIOLTEN HIGH SCHOOL. 

This scliool presented a brilliant appearance. Tiieir tasteful and 
elegant costume was universally admired. The young ladies were 
attired in l)lack waists and white skirts, with scarlet trimmings ; their 
heads were imcovered, and their hair elegantly dressed with velvet and 
flowers. The lads were distinguished by a red sash, which, passing 
over the h^ft shoulder, was tied under the right arm, and on which the 
Peabody badge appeared conspicuous. As Mr. Peabody approached, 
f!ach unfurled a flag not till then displayed ; and, being so arranged tliat 
the American and English colors alternated, the efl'ect was very tine 
when, in honor of their transatlantic guest, the two were cros.sed, and, 
throughout their ranks, the stars and stripes mingled with the British 
cross. Their banner presented on one side, 

" Hoi.TKX High School, Danvers. Wk wklcomk ouk Bknefactor;" 

and on the reverse — 

" Onk Generation shall Praisk thy Works to another." 



DISTRICT NUMBER ONE. 

Scnooi.s FROM District No. 1, under the charge of Mr. L. P. 
Brickett, Miss M. L. Shattuck, Miss S. H. Burt, Miss M. B. Harrington 
and Miss Helen Aborn. 243 scholars were in the procession from this 
school district. Boys wearing caps ; girls, hats, trimmed with blue rib- 
bon, arranged as follows — first. 

Boys of Grammar School, with a superb silk banner, blue and white, 
with the mottoes, 

"Common Schools. The Tree which our Fathers tlanted, wb will 

Nourish and Protkct." 

"True Merit our only Claim to Distinction." 

On reverse side, 

"Education, the Keystone in the Arch of Freedom." 

Girls of Grammar School. 

Boys of Wallis School, carrying a banner, with the motto, 

"The Wallis School, a Standing Light for this and fotdeb 
Generations." 
Girls of Wallis School. 

Primary School, in a handsome carriage beautifully decorated with 
evergreen, drawn by four horses. In the carriage was a banner, with 
the motto, 

"Wk come forth iuom our IlArrY Homes am) Schools of Learning, to 

GREJiT ouk liKNEFACTOli." 



33 

DISTRICT NUMBER TWO. 

District No. 2. Danversport Grammar School, taught by A. \V. 
Mack, principal, with Aseneth A. Sawyer, assistant. 80 pupils repre- 
sented this school in the procession, with a beautiful banner, inscribed 
with the motto, 

" We owe him Gratitdde ; 
We will not IIepudiate our Debt." 

Primary School, No. 1. This school has been under the charfre 
of Miss Sarah A. Osgood, about fourteen years, to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the District. 57 of her charge rode in a carriage drawn bv 
four fine looking bay horses. 

Primary No. 2, kept by Miss Frances A. Bomer, sent 38 children, 
also in a carriage drawn by four noble bays. 
The banner of Primary No. 1, had this motto, 

" The Descendants in '56, 
Of the Patriots op '76." 

On the banner of Primary No. 2, was the motto, 

" Honor to Whom Honor is due." 



DISTRICT NUMBER THREE. 

School District No. 3 was represented by 37 scholars, with their 
teacher, Mrs. Lydia S. Putnam, all riding in one carriage, (a barge on 
wheels,) drawn by four horses. 

There were two banners; on the first was 

"Putnamville, No. 3, Danvers ;" 

On the reverse, in a wreath of evergreen, 

" Welcome ; " 

all wrought in evergreen with border of the same. On the .second, 
with green ground with gilt letters and border, was 

"We greet Thee with Joy." 
On the reverse, 

"Our Benefactor." 



DISTRICT NUMBER FOUR. 

The Banner of District No. 4 was of white cambric, bordered with 
evergreen and myrtle. On the lower part was the reprosimtation of a 
Primary and High School, encircled witli the leaves and fruit of the 
mitchella. Above, was the motto, 

"He leads to pleasant Fountains," 

surrounding the likeness of Mr. Peabody, beautifully wreathetl with myr- 
tle. On the other side of the banner was 

"District No. 4, Danverb." 



Thirty-two scholars, under Miss S. E. Simonds, teacher. The 
schohirs had cacli a bouquet of flowers. 



DISTRICT NUMBER FIVE. 

The Wadswortii Schoou District No. 5, Danvers,* taneht by 
A. J. Denicritt and E. F. Towne, comprising 120 pupils, formed no 
unimjiorlant feature in the procession. Their unit'ormity of dress and 
orderly d(>portment could not fail to make an impression. Neither 
could we discover any traces of that once prevalent delusion common 
in " Salem Village," amid the happy band. 

The leading feature of this school was a banner, designed and exe- 
cuted by two young gentlemen, former pupils of the school, which, for 
taste, style, and beauty of execution, was unsurpassed by any in the 
procession. On the front, which was a white ground, was the single 
word in Gorman text, of scarlet and silver, 

" Welcome." 
On the reverse, a blue ground, 

" Wadsworth School, 5." 

The Grammar School, numbering 80, followed on foot. The masters 
attired in their usual costume ; the misses dressed in white ; the first 
and second classes with hats trimmed with cherry; the third and fourth 
were trimmed with pink, each scholar carrying a bouquet, which was 
gracefully thrown into the carriage, or strewn in the path of their 
benefactor. 

The Primary School, containing 40 pupils, arrayed in the same 
attire as the Grammar School which preceded them, rode in a car- 
riage, simply ornamented with evergreen and flowers. 



DISTRICT NUMBER SIX. 

Next in order came the School from District No. 6, under the charge 
of E. J. Swett, numbering 45 scholars ; the boys bearing a handsome 
silk banner, with the motto, 

"We still live to Learn." 



DISTRICTS NUMBERS SEVEN AND NINE. 
The.se were followed by the Schools Nos. 7 and 9, united. No. 7, 
numbering 51 pupils, taught by Mary B. Ilawkes. No. 9, 12 pupils. 
No. 7 carried a very neat banner, with the inscription 
" Welcome Home." 

♦ This District is full of historic interest. It was here the first settlement of the 
town l)('<;aii. The first cliurcli was cstablislied on the spot now occui)iod by the 
Rev. Dr. Bniman's society, and near this ancient and hallowed site that fatal delu- 
sion of lli(^ sL'vcnteentli century had its origin. The ancient landmarks and tokens 
of a former -reneration point to this place as having been among the earlier settle- 
tnent{< of the country. 

In times past, as in the present, the Professions have here been represented by 
men of distin<;uished learning and ability ; among the former are the names of 
tloltcn and Wadsworth, men eminent in their day and profession. 



35 

No. 7 enclosed with 31 stars. Underneath, the words 

" Onward and Upward." 
On reverse side, 

" In God we trust. We hkjoick to Gkket you." 

The lettering and stars in gold leaf. The girls wore straw hats, 
trimmed with a wreath of evergreen, carrying a bouquet of flowers. 
Boys, each with a national flag. 



DISTRICT NUMBER EIGHT. 

No. 8, numbering 130 scholars, co\nprising Grammar School, under 
the charge of Charles B. Warren ; First Primary, taught by Miss B. B. 
Davis ; Boston Road Primary, taught by Sarah F. Davis. The boys of 
these Schools wore black clothing, and caps uniformly trimmed with 
evergreen. The girls were dressed in white, with straw hats trimmed 
with evergreen. This is called the Rocks District. 

Arranged, 1st, Boys of Grammar School, carrying a silk banner 
with a handsome fringe, white on one side, with the word " Rocks" on 
the center. On the reverse, blue, with the mottoes — 

"Progress, the Spirit of our Fathers ; let us continue to revere it." 

On reverse, 

"Industry, Knowledge. Knowledge, the Power which Moves thb 

World." 

2d. Girls of Grammar School. 
3(1. Boys of Primary School. 
4th. Girls of Primai-y School. 
Banner, 

" We bid you Welcome." 

On the reverse, 

" Education, the Foundation of true Merit." 



DISTRICT NUMBER TEN. 

Next in order was the School from District No. 10, numbering 30 
scholars, taught by E. Newhall. Girls with pink hats and sashes; 
boys with pink sashes, carrying a very neat and attractive banner, 
handsomely inscribed with the words, 

" We CO.ME small in Numbers, but with Hearts large with Gratitudk." 

On reverse side, 

" Welcome, thrice Welcome, to your Native Town." 



DISTRICT NUMBER ELEVEN. 

District No. 11. The Grammar School, in charge of Mr. W. S. Ladd 
and Miss P. Necdham, the Intermediate of Julia A. Page and Miss A.. 



Preston; Primary, Miss E.A.Richardson; number in procession, 240 
pupils. Boys wearing caps, dark pants and jackets ; girls with hats, 
trimmed with crimson ribbon. 

First came the boys of the (Grammar School, carrying a teautiful 
silk banner, crimson and white, with gold colored fringe. On one side 
the words, 

" We will, pay the Debt." 

On reverse side, the Peabody coat-of-arms. These were followed 
by Girls of Grammar School, Boys of Intermediate, Girls of Interme- 
diate, and closed by the Primary School in a splendid barge, drawn by 
six horses. This was a superb carriage, and this occasion the first 
time of its being used. It was a marked feature in the procession. A 
representation of it may be seen in the lithographed view of the Pea- 
body Institute. 

DISTRICT NUMBER TWELVE. 

No. 12, numbering 113 scholars; the Grammar School, taught by 
John F. Chase ; Primary, Julia A. Smith. The Boys wore caps 
trimmed with blue ribbon ; Girls, white muslin hats and blue ribbon. 

The Boys of Grammar School carried a splendid silk banner, with 
the inscription, 

"The Guest op South Danvers, George Peabody of London, once the 
Boy of Free Schools, now their Noble Benefactor." 

On reverse side, 

" Despise not the Day of Small Beginnings. 
Central Street, No. 12." 

The Primary School rode in a handsome boat carriage, drawn by 
•four horses. 



DISTRICT NUMBER THIRTEEN. 

Danvers, No. 13, Primary School, 70 scholars, in two large car- 
riages, tastefully ornamented. In the center of their banner was an 
engraved likeness of Mr. Peabody, encircled with a beautiful wreath, 
surrounding which was the motto, 

" We will try to be like IIim." 

Intermediate School, 58 scholars, on foot. More than half of them 
were Girls, each of whom carried a beautiful bouquet, which they 
threw into Mr. Peabody's carriage when he passed them. Their ban- 
ner, silver letters on a crimson ground. Motto, 

"Honor to whom Honor is due." 

Grammar School, 68 scholars, on foot, with a blue banner, richly 
gilded. Motto, 

"Her Distinguished Sons and her Brightest Ornaments." 

Teacher of Primary School, Miss S. Dodge. 

" " Intermediate School, " II. Pope. 
" " Grammar School, " C. Mclvin. 

" Holten High School, '' N. Hills. 



37 

DISTRICT NUMBER FOURTEEN. 

School District No. 14, of Danvers, was rcpresenleti by about 200 
children, in two divisions, of which the Gruinmur School formed one, 
and the Primary School the other. 

The last division occupied a large carriage, provided and fitted up 
for the occasion. In an arch that crowned the front of the carriage 
appeared in golden letters, the word 

" Welcome ;" 
while each side was adorned with appropriate mottoes. 

Each division, also, bore a tasteful banner, inscribed with mottoes 
and devices. The motto of the Grammar School was 

"He that ceeatetii Good Will between Nations shall be exalted 

AMONG HIS People ;" 
and on the reverse, 

"Grammar School, No. 14, Danvexs." 
The banner of the Primary School contained the motto, 
"Honor to the Pacificator of Nations;" 

and the reverse, 

"Primary School, No. 14, Danvers." 

Grammar School. Primary School. 

Miss Mehitable Barker, Teacher. Miss M. E. Howes, Teacher. 

" Augusta Brown, " 

The Procession, as thus constituted, proceeded on its route, 
which was extended to the old Salem line, and countermarched 
at th^ Elm tree on Boston Street, which has so long been a 
noted landmark between the two towns. The procession, on 
its march, was more than a mile in length. We have attempt- 
ed to give, in detail, an account of the public and private dec- 
orations on the route, but this can give but a very inadequate 
idea of their effect to an observer in connection with the 
throngs of people in the streets, at the windows and balconies 
of the houses, and even on the housetops, while the procession 
was passing. Those who were the witnesses of the pageant 
may recall to mind the "pomp and circumstance," as well as 
the deeper emotions of sincere gratitude which marked (he oc- 
casion. Those who were absent may only imagine the pic- 
ture presented by our gayly-dressed village, whose whole pop- 
ulation came out in their best attire, with beaming eyes and 
jubilant shouts, to greet their long-absent townsman. They 
must fancy the moving throngs, the dancing plumes, the 



38 

waving banners, the martial music, the floating pennons, and 
triumphal arches. They must also picture our illustrious guest, 
the cynosure of all eyes, the admiration of all hearts, as with 
dignity and grace he receives this tribute of a grateful people. 

Nor was this moving multitude confined to our own limited 
boundaries. Thousands of strangers from the neighboring 
cities and towns thronged our streets to swell the exultant 
shouts of welcome to one whose name is wider known as a 
pacificator between the people of distant but kindred nations, 
than as a benefactor of the place of his birth. Hundreds weie 
here, drawn from distant cities, as well by personal obligation 
to him for his hospitalities, as by his renown as an American 
merchant of elevated standing in the world's commercial me- 
tropolis. The number present, including our own citizens, as 
participators in or spectators of the pageant, is variously esti- 
mated at from 20 to 30,000 persons. 



EXERCISES AT THE PEABODY INSTITUTE. 

As the procession approached the Institute where the public 
exercises of welcome were to take place, the military and mar- 
shals cleared an open space in front of tiie building, and the 
Firemen opening their ranks, the procession passed between 
them, the Committee and their guests occupying the elevated 
platform, and the Schools the enclosed grounds of the Insti- 
tute. Previous to ascending the platform, Mr. Peabody called 
at the residence of Eben Sutton, Esq., which is nearly oppo- 
site, and there met Mr. Everett. The meeting of these distin- 
guished men, whose intimate mutual friendship continued dur- 
ing the whole period of Mr. Everett's diplomatic career in 
London, was a warm and hearty greeting, and one of the 
pleasant incidents of the occasion. 

After the guests had taken their places on the platform, and 
order had been restored in the dense multitude before it, Hon. 
Alfred A. Abbott rose, and delivered the Address of Welcome, 
as follows : — 



39 



ALFRED A. ABBOTT'S ADDRESS. 

Friends and Fellow-Citizens : — 

111 behalf of the Committee of Arrangements of the towns of 
Dan vers and South Dan vers, I greet you ! This great mnUi- 
tude, old men and young men, matrons and maidens, the cliil- 
dren from our schools, the strangers that are within our gates, 
I greet you all ! Pleasantly this October sun smiles down 
upon our festival, and everything around seems hopeful and 
auspicious. May the end crown the work, and may this day's 
proceedings prove not only grateful to the heart of him whom 
we desire to honor, but promote the happiness and joy of all ! 

A few weeks since, information was received that Mr. 
George Peabody of London was about to revisit his native 
country. Whatever emotions may have been excited else- 
where by this news, there was no place where the feeling was 
so ardent, so deep, so spontaneous as here. In the first place 
we shared, equally, at least with others, the general respect for 
his public character and private virtues. With at least equal 
admiration we looked upon a long career of patient, persever- 
ing, successful effort, and over a whole life illuminated by the 
light of manly honor and clu'istian charity. With certainly as 
much of patriotic pride we regarded that constant endeavor to 
vindicate the honor of onr country in foreign lands, to sustain 
the credit of the States, to make the American name respecta- 
ble abroad, and those unceasing labors, successful above aught 
that diplomacy or arms could accomplish, to strengthen the 
bonds of fellowship and love between two great and kindred 
nations, whose true interests and dearest hopes are and must 
forever be identical and one. 

But there was something above and beyond all this, and pe- 
culiar, fellow-citizens, to us. Here was Mr. Peabody's home. 
Here slumbered the honored dust of his fathers. Here, " na- 
tive and to tlie manor born," he passed his youth and the 
pleasant days of his early life. Here were many of those who 
had been his school-fellows and playmates. And when young 
ambition, and devotion to those whom misfortune had made 



40 

his dependents, and the first stirrings of that great energy, al- 
ready indicating the future triumph, led him forth to other 
and broader fields of labor, the eyes of his townsmen, like their 
prayers and best wishes, followed him ; and from that day to 
this, the events of his life and his whole career have been a 
part of the public and most treasured property of the town. 
And all along, what returns have there been and how warmly 
has this regard been reciprocated. There has been no time 
when we have not been in George Peabody's debt. Separated 
from us by the wide ocean, living amid the whirl and roar of 
the world's metropolis, engrossed with the weightiest concerns, 
flattered and caressed by the titled and the great, that " heart, 
untravelled,'" has yet clung steadfast to its early love. While, 
wherever his lot has been cast, every worthy object of charity 
and every beneficent enterprise has received his ready aid, in 
an especial manner has he remembered and endowed us. 
When fire desolated our village and swept away the sacred 
house where in childhood he listened to those truths which 
have been the guide and solace of maturer years, he helped to 
rebuild the rafters, and point again the spire to heaven. When 
a pious local pride would rear an enduring monument to the 
memory of our fathers, who fell in the first fight of the Revo- 
lution, it was his bounty, although he lived beneath the very 
shadow of the crown from which that revolution snatched its 
brightest jewel, that assisted in raising the granite pile, and 
transmitting to future ages the names and heroic deeds of our 
venerated martyrs. So when, advancing a new step in the 
cause of public education, this town established two High 
Schools for the better culture of its youth, it was his untiring 
generosity that awoke new life, and kindled fresh desire for 
knowledge, by ordaining a system of prize medals, carefully 
discriminating and judicious, and which will embalm his name 
in the affections of unborn generations of youthful scholars. 
And lastly, when, four year ago, the town of Danvers celebrat- 
ed the Centenary of its municipal life, it was the same con- 
stant, faithful friend that sent to our festival that noble senti- 
ment, " Education — a debt due from present to future genera- 



41 

tions," — and, in payment of his share of thnt debt, gave " to 
the inhabitants of the town," a munificent sum " for the pro- 
motion of knowledge and morality among them." Since that 
day his bounty has not spared, but has flowed forth unceasing- 
ly, until the original endowment has been more than doubled, 
and until here, upon this spot, is founded an Institution of 
vast immediate good, and whose benefits and blessings for 
future years, and upon the generations yet to come, no man 
can measure. 

Such are some of the reasons why the news of Mr. Pea- 
body's contemplated visit to this country was received with 
peculiar emotions here, — why every heart Avas warmed, — why 
all the people with one accord desired to see his face and hear 
his voice, — and why the towns of Danvers and South Dan- 
vers, in their corporate capacities and in obedience to the pop- 
ular will, extended to him, on his arrival upon our shores, an 
invitation to visit their borders. That invitation he accepted. 
Denying all others he cheerfully embraced this. And now, 
to-day, we have come forth to meet and greet him. And to- 
day he has come — and here he stands, our distinguished 
countryman, our beloved townsman, our noble benefactor and 
friend ! 

And now. Sir, what shall I say to you? and how shall I 
declare the sentiments and express the feelings of those in 
whose behalf I speak ? Look upon the scene before you ! 
This great throng, ready to break into tunuilt with joy, yet 
calm with the stillness of deep emotion, — these thousands of 
uplifted faces, every countenance radiant and beaming, as every 
heart is throbbing, Avith gratitude and love, — this and these 
are more expressive than any words of mine, and silence on 
my part would be more eloquent than speech. The mot that 
I can do, Sir, is to bid you welcome ! And how feeble 
seems the utterance of the mere word in contrast with the 
living realization of its deep meaning. From the moment you 
came within our limits to this hour, ui every street, at every 
corner, at almost every dwelling, and in every face, you have 
witnessed its expression. And although. Sir, we are unable 



42 

to display the pomp of great cities or royal pageantry, yet I 
doubt not that the honest affection which has prompted our 
humble endeavors has touched the manly, loving heart which 
no rude conflicts with the world have been able to harden, and 
which beats alike and ever true within the courts of kings 
and in its humble village home. 

You cannot, Sir, as you have passed along, have failed to 
notice the changes which have taken place in our midst during 
the twenty years of your absence. Wonderful as has been 
the progress of the whole country in material prosperity, there 
are few places which have advanced so steadily and rapidly as 
your native town. In all that goes to make, up a prosperous 
and thriving community, its growth has been constant and 
great. Its population and valuation have increased nearly 
three-fold, and the wealth of which this valuation is but a 
modest estimate, is generally, with substantial equality, dif- 
fused. There is here no necessary poverty or want. Industry 
is sure to win success, and labor to receive a just reward. All 
enjoy in a good degree the common comforts of life, and con- 
tent and happiness dwell within our borders. And all this is 
because moral and intellectual progress have kept pace with 
material advancemetit. Religion and education have gone on 
hand in hand, and our whole favored New England does not 
beast a more virtuous and intelligent people. 

You cannot, Sir, but have felt, as we too sadly feel, that 
there have been other changes. Time, while it ripens, leads 
also to decay. Such is our mortal life that there is no cup of 
joy that is not dashed with tears. Many of those, the friends 
of your youth, and the loved ones of early days, whose eyes 
desired this sight, whose voices would have led our welcome, 
and whose arms would have been extended to embrace you, 
have passed away. Within sight of where we now stand 
dwelt him who was your earliest patron and friend, — who to 
the cud of his life walked uprightly before God and man, — 
whose treasured joy it was that in your exalted prosperity he 
still retained your affectionate regard, and who. bending be- 
neath the burden of nearly fourscore years, went down to the 



43 

grave invoking blessings on yonr head. Nor can I forget to- 
day that distingnished citizen, that noble man, who, when the 
foundations of this edifice were laid, helped place the corner- 
stone, and standing here before onr people as your familiar 
friend, poured forth a tribute of praise that gave a new im- 
pulse to the love we bore you, and endeared him forever in 
our hearts. He, too, has gone, — but the memory of Abbott 
Lawrence will live so long as honorable deeds, and manly vir- 
tues, and christian charity are treasured among men. 

As the hour hastens on there are many thoughts of mingled 
joy and sadness which throng upon the mind, but for me to 
unfold which neither the occasion would justify, nor time 
permit. 

I must close. Sir, where I began, by bidding you, in the 
name and on behalf of those whom I represent, a hearty web 



come 



I welcome you to your native town, to the place of yonr 
birth, to the abode of your youth, to the ground sacred as the 
repository of precious dust, to the spot hallowed by all the 
tender ties and touching associations of family and liome ! 

I welcome you to the renewed fellowship o[ those of your 
early friends whom a kind Providence has spared to see this 
day, to the respect and gratitude of all your townsmen whom 
yonr name has distinguished and your bounty has blessed, to 
the tender love and pious prayers of the children among whose 
first lessons it has been to learn to lisp the name of their gen- 
erous benefactor ! 

Lastly, I welcome you to this noble Institution, whose walls 
you have reared, and whose portals you have opened for the 
promotion of knowledge and morality ! l^ong may it flourish, 
and truly may it fulfil its glorious mission ! 

And when you, too, shall have passed away, and all that 
now live have returned to the dust, and down to latest times, 
may it stand, the cherished and imperishable monument to 
your memory and name ! 

And now, Sir, reverently I invoke it, God's blessing be upon 
you! 



44 



At times, during the delivcrj'^ of this Address, Mr. Peabody 
seemed greatly affected. At its conclusion, the pupils of the 
Holten High School sung, in a touching and beautiful manner, 
"Home Again," to the following words : — 

HOME AGAIN. 

WRITTEN BY MISS ANNE L. PAGE 

Welcome Home ! Welcome Home ! 

From a foreign shore ; 
And Oh ! it fills our souls with joy, 

That you are here once more. 
Though face and form to us are strange, 

We love the heart of truth, 
Whose years of absence could not dim 

The memories of its youth. 

Welcome Home, &c. 

Noble hearts in other lands 

Have known and tried your worth ; 
And 'tis a joyous thing for us, 

That here you had your birth. 
Oh, ne'er can time or change efface 

What you to us have been, 
And grat(>ful hearts, in future years, 

Shall keep your memory green. 

Welcome Home, &c. 

Mr. Peabody then made the following response to Mr. 
Abbott's Address : — 

MR. PEABODY'S ADDRESS. 

Mr. Ahbott and Fellow-Townsmen : — 

I have listened to your eloquent words of welcome with 
the most intense emotions, and return you for them my warm- 
est acknowledgments. My heart tells me that this is no common 
occasion. This vast gathering, comprising many old associ- 
ates, their children and their grandchildren, to welcome me to 
the home of my childhood, almost unmans me. Though 
Providence has granted me an unvaried and unusual success 
in the pursuit of fortune in other lands, I am still, in heart, the 
humble boy who left yonder unpretending dwelling, many — 
very many years ago. 



45 

I have felt it necessary to decline many proffered hospitali- 
ties, but I could not resist the impulse which prompted me to 
accept yours, and to revisit the scenes once so familiar, to take 
you again by the hand, and to tell you how it rejoices my 
heart to see you. 

You can scarcely imagine how the changes to which you 
have referred impress me. You have yourselves grown up 
with them, and have gradually become familiarized with all ; 
but to me, who have been so long away, the effect is almost 
astounding. It is gratifying to find, however, that these trans- 
formations have gone hand in hand with your prosperity and 
improvement. 

The solitary fields which were the scenes of my boyish 
sports now resound with the hum of busy labor ; and the spirit 
of improvement, not content with triumph on land, has even 
converted Foster's millpond into solid ground, and made it the 
scene of active enterprise. 

But time has also wrought changes of a painful nature. Of 
those I left, the old are all gone. A few of the middle aged 
remain, but old and infirm, while the active population consists 
almost entirely of a new generation. 

I now revert to a more pleasing theme, and call your atten- 
tion to the brightest portion of the picture of the day. 

One of the most pleasing and touching incidents of this 
morning, is the large number of scholars who have come forth 
to bid me welcome, and who now surround me. In address- 
ing a few words to you, my dear young friends, I would bid 
you remember that but a few years will elapse before you will 
occupy the same position towards your own children which 
your parents now hold towards yourselves. The training you 
are now receiving is a precious talent, for the use or abuse of 
which each will, on a future day, be called upon to give a 
severe account. May you then be ready to render up that 
talent with "usury." There is not a youth within the sound 
of my voice whose early opportunities and advantages are not 
very much greater than were my own, and I have since 
achieved nothing that is impossible to the most humble boy 



46 

among you. I hope many a great and good man may arise 
from among the ranks of Danvcrs boys assembled here to-day. 
Bear in mind, however, that to be truly great it is not necessa- 
ry that you should gain wealth and importance. Every boy 
may become a great man, in whatever sphere Providence may 
call him to move. 

Steadfast and undeviating truth, fearless and straightforward 
integrity, and an honor ever unsullied by an unworthy word 
or action, make their possessor greater than worldly success or 
prosperity. These qualities constitute greatness; without 
them you will never enjoy the good opinion of others or the 
approbation of a good conscience. 

To my young female friends I would say, — Remember that 
there have been, and are, great women as well as great men ; 
great in their domestic graces, as daughters, as wives and as 
mothers ; and I trust that future times may record many a 
name so distinguished, whose seeds of good were sown within 
this town, and allow me to hope that my eye now rests' upon 
some of them. 

May the advice I liave given you be impressed upon your 
young hearts. It is given with great sincerity by one who 
has had much experience in the world ; and although Provi- 
dence has smiled upon all his labors, he has never ceased to 
feel and lament the want of that early education, which is 
now so freely offered to each one of you. This is the first 
time we have met ; it may prove the last, but while I live I 
shall ever feel a warm interest in your welfare. God bless 
you all ! 

During the delivery of both these Addresses there were fre- 
quent expressions of applause ; but the solemn stillness, the up- 
turned faces, and, above all, the swelling hearts and moistened 
eyes of the listening throng, were more expressive of deep 
emotion than the loudest plaudits could have shown. 




Lithliy JH.BMfford. 



ARCH ERECTED BY THE WEBSTFR C.LUf 
MAIN ST. s.oanve:r5 



T H E DINNER. 



After the conclusion of the exercises of the Reception the 
Chief Marshal formed a procession of the guests and holders 
of tickets to the Diinier, and proceeded under escort through 
Washington Street to J. B. Smith's large Pavilion, which was 
finely decorated for the occasion, where tables were laid for 
about 1500 guests. It was an orderly and brilliant gathering. 
A large number of ladies were present, whose beauty and intel- 
ligence gave an additional charm to the festivities. 

When the company were seated, Hon. Robert S. Daniels, 
President of the Day, introduced the Chaplain, Rev. Mr. 
Murray, who is the successor of Rev. Mr. Walker, with whose 
religious society the family of Mr. Peabody was connected 
when he resided here. After the repast, Mr. Daniels arose and 
delivered the following speech : — 

Hon. ROBERT S. DANIELS' ADDRESS. 

Ladies and Gentlemen: 

When we gathered within the Peabody Institute, on the day 
it was consecrated to the great and good object of promoting 
knowledge and morality, and listened to the stirring elocpience 
and wise suggestions of the gifted orator of the occasion, we 
well supposed that it was the crowning glory of our history 
and the brightest memento of our owa times which would be 
transmitted to posterity ; but the transactions and associations 
of this day will impart new lustre and add fresh beauty to all 
we have heretofore hoped and done. 

This may be truly said to be an occasion of rare occurrence 



48 

and uncommon interest. It takes deep hold upon the feelings 
of all the inhabitants of the town, of whatever age or circum- 
stance. 

We assemble here to-day a united people, with one mind 
and heart, and that heart throbbing with the purest impulses of 
joy and gratitude. And why all this outbreak of popular feel- 
ing, this niuisiial gathering of learning and talent, beauty and 
fashion, of age and youth, and every countenance indicating 
that it is the willing tribute of the heart ? 

I'here is not here any great conqueror crowned with laurels, 
fresh from the victorious battle-field, to receive our homage. 
We are not here to do honor to any of our distinguished states- 
men, but on the other hand, some of them are present to mingle 
their voices and praises with ours. It is not for any such ob- 
jects as these, that our whole population is to-day, and has 
been for weeks, moved with an earnestness and enthusiasm 
heretofore unknown. 

But it is for the sole and single purpose to welcome home, 
after an absence of more than twenty years, one of our own 
citizens to his native land and the scenes of his youth. And 
although he has been living and associating during the whole 
period of his absence with the nobles of a foreign country, he 
has no titles, nor is he graced with the insignia of office, but is 
simply a private gentleman with an American heart, warmly 
attached to the land of his birth, with strong feelings and aspi- 
rations for her honor and prosperity. 

And why this public and spontaneous greeting of a private, 
unostentatious individual ? The response to this question can 
be given by any one or all of you, and by thousands throughout 
the country. It is for his high standing for integrity and honor 
as an American merchant — for his unbounded hospitality, and 
unlimited benevolence in private charities, and public benefac- 
tions — and his unceasing efforts to promote free and social 
intercourse among the citizens of our own country and the 
people of the land of his residence. 

In times of commercial distress he has exerted great influence 
in sustaining the credit of our country. He has ever been on 



49 

the side of peace, and his high position, elevated character, and 
great resources, have enabled him to do much towards main- 
taining amicable relations between England and America. The 
performance of any one of these high duties would command 
our respect — and when we find an individual who has per- 
formed them all, it is easy to account for the desire of the 
people to do him honor. 

To his cf)mmercial character, in all its relations, our great 
cities, through their distinguished merchants, have borne the 
most ample testimony, and the recipients of his noble hospi- 
tality are scattered all over our great and growing country. Of 
his l^nevolence and liberality we can point you to a standing 
monument which will outlast us all, and scatter its beautiful 
fruits all the way down through generations yet unborn. I 
allude to the Peabody Institute: of the details of its operation 
I do not propose to speak. The institution itself is known 
tlvroughout our country — its foundation, its history, its success, 
and its beneficial eff'ects, are before the world. 

It has been said by a friend of Mr. Peabody, that it is the 
best investment he ever made — not that it will add to his 
already abundant wealth, but it is the inward joy and constant 
pleasure that the true philanthropist feels, when he knows that 
his efforts to benefit and bless his fellow-beings have been suc- 
cessful, that will add a large per cent, to the sweets and hopes 
of life, and cast a halo of glory around the memories which it 
awakens. 

It is now more than forty years since Mr. Peabody was a 
resident of this town, and many and great are the changes 
which have taken place during that period. Many of them are 
of a pleasing character ; some of them, however, which are the 
result of the universal law of nature, will be remembered with 
sorrow. And I would ask, with reference to these changes, in 
the language of Scriptiu'e — "The fathers, where are they?" 
They are all gone. Their seats in our halls and in our churches 
are all vacant. The active business men of that day have all 
passed from time to eternity. 
4 



50 

The population of Danvers at that period was about three 
thousand : now more than ten thousand. We then had but 
two churches, we now have nine. The salaries paid the min- 
isters were about cue thousand dollars : now estimated at ten 
thousand. We then had but two or three public schoolhouses ; 
now some fifteen, and a number of them large and costly 
buildings, and thronged with hundreds of happy children. We 
then appropriated about two thousand dollars for their support : 
now about ten thousand, and are trying to pay " the debt due 
from present to future generations." Our old public avenues 
are filled with dwellings and stores; many new streets have 
been located and built upon. The power of steam was then 
almost unknown. Railroads are now laid in all directions 
through our town, and almost thirty trains per day pass through 
this village. We then had no banks and no post offices : we 
now have three banks and four post offices, and I feel warranted 
in stating that the business of the town would show a greater 
increase than anything else. 

Mr. Peabody left this place about the period I have named, 
with no capital but a good character, and his inherent energy 
and firm resolve. He now returns to us under circumstances 
known to you all, — his unparalleled success has not blotted 
from his memory his old home and his old friends. The elo- 
quent welcome given this morning meets a response from every 
heart. The impressions made to-day will never fade from the 
memory of the youngest person present, but will entwine 
themselves around all our hearts, and be rehearsed by our 
children's children as incentives to guide them in the paths of 
virtue and honor. 

In conclusion, I propose the following sentiment : 

" A cordial and hearty welcome to the distinguished citizen, eminent merchant, 
and public bcnefivctor." 

Amid the most enthusiastic cheers, Mr. Peabody then arose 
and spoke as follows : — 



51 



MR. PEABODY'S ADDRESS. 

Mr. Chaiuman, Ijadies and Gentlrmen : — 

The reception you have given me to-day, and especially this 
enthusiastic greeting, overpowers me. Few boys ever left a 
New England town nnder circnmstances more humble than I 
did. None could return more honored — honored, too. where 
honor is said not to be usual — in his own country, and among 
his own kindred. I feel proud as well as grateful at these 
testimonials, so far beyond my merits, but so gratifying to my 
heart, and which I shall ever esteem the greatest honor of my 
life. 

You have alluded, Mr. Chairmati, to my course as a mer- 
chant. Heaven has been pleased to reward my efforts with 
success, and has permitted me to establish, through my own 
exertions, a house in the great metropolis of England, which, 
I think my mercantile friends here present will bear me out 
in saying, sustains a high character and credit throughout the 
world. Coming back to the home of my childhood, I hon- 
estly confess that I feel great pride in this, and I do not be- 
lieve that you will accuse me of egotism in saying so. I have 
endeavored, in the constitution of its members and the char- 
acter of its business, to make it an American House, and to 
give it an American atmosphere ; to furnish it with American 
journals ; to make it a center for American news, and an agree- 
able place for my American friends visiting London. That I 
have partially succeeded in doing so, I think 1 may reasonably 
conclude, from the flattering testimonials which I have re- 
ceived since my arrival in this country. 

You have also been pleased to allude to my humble efforts 
to promote good feeling between Groat Britain and the United 
States, by increasing the social intercourse between my Eng- 
lish and American friends. That a cordial alliance ought to 
exist between these two countries, founded on social inter- 
course and personal friendships, as well as mutual . interests, is 
an opinion which [ share with most persons who have had the 



52 

opportunity to see both. 1 am happy, indeed, if my hnmble 
efforts liave aided in promoting such good feel nig. If there 
are two nations on the face of the earth which ought to be con- 
nected by the closest ties of mutual good will, they are these 
two countries. It is not in the language ordinarily used that 
I point to the similarity in their institutions, their laws, their 
language, and their commercial interests. The exports of this 
country to Great Britain are larger than to all the world be- 
sides; the exports from Great Britain to this country, though 
not relatively so large, are on an equally gigantic scale. A 
monetary crisis in one country is generally followed by like 
results in the other. A change in financial policy on the one 
side is met by a responsive change on the other. The jour- 
nals of each country reflect, at length, each other's views and 
sentiments. 

Out of this very intimacy of relations there grows frequent 
cause of difference ; but I am sure that, nowithstanding the 
little outbursts of jealousy which occasionally show themselves, 
England is not less proud of her offspring than is America of the 
parent stock. I can assure you. that, from the universally be- 
loved Q,ueen who rules those realms, down to her humblest 
subject, one feeling of good will towards this country prevails. 
[Enthusiastic applause, long continued.] I say this with the 
greater confidence, since I see around me many gentlemen who 
have had the opportunity to see for themselves whether these 
things are so. To none can I appeal more confidently than to 
you. Sir, [turning to Mr. Everett,] who have filled the most im- 
portant office, abroad, in the gift of our government, with so 
much honor to your own country, and so much satisfaction to 
those to whom you were accredited. I have been reminded 
to-day that one, who followed worthily in the footsteps of my 
friend on the left, has passed away. The corner stone of the 
Peabody Institute was laid by Abbott Lawrence; but, before it 
was completed, his pure spirit had left this world. I admired 
him for his practical talents; I respected him for his virtues, 
and I loved him as a friend. Like myself, he was convinced 
of the great importance of conciliation, forbearance, and mu- 



53 

tual good will between England and America. Dnring his 
whole mission he labored earnestly to cnltivate these feelin<»s. 
and I take a melancholy pleasure in adding my humble tribute 
to his memory, in testifying not only to the profnseness of his 
own hospitalities, and the constancy of his own labors to these 
ends, but to the heartiness and zeal with which he coojerated 
in my more humble efforts. The memory of such a man as 
Abbott Lawrence is doubly blessed. 

Allow me to conclude by proposing a toast : 

Our old town of Dan vers, as it was constituted in 1752 — May slie know none but 
CIVIL divisions. 

And, in connection with this sentiment, permit me to ex- 
press a hope that the Peabody Institute, as it was established 
in 1852, as it exists now, and as it shall hereafter exist, may 
prove a perpetual bond to unite the towns of Danv^ers and 
South Danvers. [Great cheering.] 

The President then offered : — 

The Commonivealth of Massachusctls — Ilcr present position is as honorahlc for insti- 
tutions of charity and benevolence as her former history is rei)Iete with patriotism. 

His Excellency Governor Gardner responded as follows: — 

GOV. GARDiNER^S RESPONSE. 

Mr. President, Ladies and Genti-emen: — 

I always approach a speech of any kind, and especially an 
after-dinner speech, with a great deal of reluctance. So foreign 
is it to my education and experience in early life, I always dread 
it ; and if ever, more especially now, here, on this occasion, sur- 
rounded as I am by the flower of Essex, and not only of Es- 
sex, but of New England, and not of New England alone, but 
of the United States, — seeing before me, aa I do, representa- 
tives not only of the press of Boston, but of New York, of 
Philadelphia, Cmcinnati, aye, and from across the ocean wa- 
ters, of the press of the Old World, [cheers] — seeing around 
me and by me those whose elo(]uence you are wont to listen 
to and hang upon with delight, I may well dread being called 
on to say one word ; and yet I am glad to respond to that sen- 



54 

timent, in honor of the good, noble, illustrious, dear old State 
of Massachusetts [loud applause] — a State which was the birth- 
place of most of us, wliich is the home of all our affections, 
where is centered and gathered together all that we hold dear 
in this life, where repose the ashes of our ancestors, and where, 
some day, we fondly hope our own may be peacefully laid 
beside them. 

In response to a sentiment complimentary to Massachusetts, 
I am always proud to raise my voice ; and responsive to this 
allusion, in honor of her Institutiotis, I think to-day, in this 
presence, an answer may be peculiarly fitting. I have never 
before participated in an occasion of this kind. Where was 
there one? A young man — with no other capital, as you well 
said, but his hands and his integrity, going abroad across the 
waters, unheralded and unknown — by his own industry and 
integrity distinguishing himself among his fellows, and in the 
good gifts of Providence showered upon him every hour of 
every year, seeking how he might benefit his countrymen at 
home — [cheers] rendering his name illustrious, also, for his 
princely hospitality, — and his commercial house to which you 
refer, a proverb upon the marts and commercial highways of 
nations — to see such an one return, so honored and so beloved, 
to the scene of his birth, is indeed a new and interesting 
event. 

But I cannot, I will not detain you. I cannot, however, but 
refer to one circumstance in tlie career of your distinguished 
guest, which makes me peculiarly proud, and feel deeply hon- 
ored now to address him. He is a merchant; he belongs to 
that fraternity, to which my own humble life and services 
have been devoted. It has not the glittering attraction of the 
warrior, whose fame can be carved out by his sword upon the 
battle-field ; it has not, ladies and gentlemen, that attraction, 
wliich he, who spreads abroad the- glad tidings to all nations, 
finds in his profession ; it has not the attraction of legal or of 
political excitement; it has not, necessarily — though there are 
many exceptions — it has not, I say, necessarily, that connection 
with the cultivation of the intellect, the impiovemcnt of the 



55 

mind, which the learned professions, so called, always require. 
But, Sir, you and I know it has its pride and its value. 
There must be patient attention to petty details, to exacting, 
minute transactions; there must be great and careful and pru- 
dent attention })aid to them all, hour after hour, and day after 
day : but when the successful result is reached, there is a com- 
pensation in that very success itself, and high honor in the 
means by which it has been attained. 

And, Sir, in your career there is much that the young 
merchants of Massachusetts can profit by. In the first place, 
they can take a lesson from that integrity of purpose, of 
which we all to-day have read upon banner, upon house, 
upon staff, and upon the faces, and in the words of our 
citizens. We can see, too, in your career where the syren 
Hope, in early days, beckoned you where deeper waters ran, 
and pointed to the furled sail at the mast head, how you stood 
resolutely on in your own path of duty, and defied the syren 
song ; there is in that a lesson for the young merchants of 
Massachusetts to remember. [Cheers.] 

But further, beyond and above all this, when Providence in 
His mercy has filled your treasury to overflowing, when you 
have reached the goal of all your anticipations, all you ever 
could have hoped or desired, — aye, there is a lesson, my 
friends, for the young and the old merchants all to bear in 
mind as to the manner in which those rich rewards have been 
distributed. [Loud cheers.] 

I leel, my friends, I have detained you too long. As a mer- 
chant, I am proud to meet our distinguished guest ; as a citizen 
of Massachusetts I am glad to greet him ; and in response to 
your sentiment commemorative and approving the institutions 
of our Commonwealth, I would welcome back to his home, 
him who has done so much by his liberality to benefit the 
institutions of learning within our borders. [Loud cheers.] 

The next n gular sentiment was read by Hon. George Os- 
borne, one of the Vice-Presidents, who acted as toast-master : 

Etvjland and America -Pidchrn mnicr—pnlclirior ./tV/a— Ions may they flourish in 
the bonds of peace, rivals only in their efforts to civilize and Cliristianizc the world. 



oG 

The Chairman having called upon Mr. Everett to respond 
to this toast, that gentleman spoke snbstantially as follows: — 

SPEECH OF HON. EDWARD EVERETT. 

Mr. President: — 

I suppose you have called upon me to respond to this inter- 
esting toast, chiefly because I filled a few years ago a place 
abroad, which made me in some degree the associate of your 
distinguished guest, in the kindly office of promoting good will 
between the two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon or Anglo- 
Norman race (for I do not think it matters much by which 
name you call it,) "the fai; mother and the fairer daughter," 
to which the toast alludes. At all events, I had much oppor- 
tunity, dining my residence in Erigland, to witness the hon- 
orable position of Mr. Peabody in the commercial and social 
circles of London ; his efforts to make the citizens of the two 
countries favorably known to each other ; and generally that 
course of life and conduct, which has contributed to procure 
him the well-deserved honors of this day, and which shows 
that he fully enters into the spirit of the sentiment just pn-o- 
pounded from the chair. 

To the prayer of that sentiment, Sir, I fully respond, desir- 
ing nothing more ardently in the foreign relations of the coun- 
try, than that these two great nations may be rivals only in 
their efforts to promote the welfare and improvement of man- 
kind. They have already done, they are now doing much, at 
home and abroad, to promote that end by the arts of peace. 
Whenever they cooperate they can sweep everything before 
them; — when they are at variance, when they pull opposite 
ways, it is the ainiihilation of much of the moral power of both. 
Whenever England and America combine their influence in 
promoting a worthy object, it moves forward like a vessel pro- 
pelled by the united force of wind and steam ; but when they 
are in conflict with each other, it is like the struggle of the 
toiling engine against the opposing tempest. It is well if the 
laboring vessel holds her own ; there is danger if the steam 
prevails that she may be crowded under the mountain waves, 



57 

or, if the storm gains the mastery, that she may drift u|)on 
the rocks. 

It is very obvious to remark, on this occasion, and on this 
subject, while you are offering a tribute of respect to a distin- 
guished man of business, that these two great nations, which 
are doing so much for the advancement of civilization, are the 
two leading commercial nations of the world ; that they have 
carried navigation and comnierce to a height unknown before. 
And this consideration, Sir, will serve to justify you and your 
fellow-citizens, if they need justification, for the honors you 
are bestowing upon the gnest of the day, as it will the other 
communities in differeut parts of the country, which have been 
desirous of joining in similar public demonstrations of respect. 
Withont wishing to disparage the services which command 
your respect and gratitude, in the walks of political, military, 
or literary life, it is natural that, in a country like the United 
States, where commerce is so important an interest, you should 
be prompt to recognize distinguished merit in the commercial 
career; a career of which, when pursued with diligence, sagac- 
ity, enterprise, integrity and honor, I deem it not too much to 
say, that it stands behind uo other in its titles to respect and 
consideration ; as I deem it not too much to say of conmierce 
iu its largest comprehension, that it has done as much in all 
time, and is now doing as much, to promote the general cause 
of civilization, as any of the other great pursuits of life. 

Trace its history for a moment from the earliest period. In 
the infancy of the world its caravans, like gigantic silk worms, 
went creeping, with their innumerable legs, through the arid 
wastes of Asia and Africa, and bound the human family to- 
gether in those vast regions as they bind it together now. Its 
colonial establishments scattered the Grecian culture all round 
the shores of tlie Mediterranean, and carried the adventurers of 
Tyre and Carthage to the north of Europe and the south of 
Africa. The walled cities of the middle ages prevented the 
arts and refmements of life from being trampled out of exist- 
ence under the iron heel of the feudal powers. The Ilanse 
Towns were the bulwark of liberty and property in the north 



58 

and west of Europe for ages. The germ of the representative 
system sprang from the municipal franchises of the boroughs. 
At the revival of letters, the merchant princes of Florence re- 
ceived the fugitive arts of Greece into their stately palaces. 
The spirit of commercial adventure produced that movement 
in the fifteenth century which led Columbus to America, and 
Vasco di Gama around the Cape of Good Hope. The deep 
foundations of the modern system of international law were 
laid in the interests and rights of commerce, and the necessity 
of protecting them. Commerce sprinkled the treasures of the 
newly-found Indies throughout the western nations ; it nerved 
the arm of civil and religions liberty in the Protestant world; 
it gradually extended the colonial system of Europe to the 
ends of the earth, and with it the elements of future inde- 
pendent, civilized, republican governments. 

But why should we dwell on the past? What is it that 
gives vigor to the civilization of the present day but the world- 
wide extension of commercial intercourse, by which all the 
products of the earth and of the ocean — of the soil, the mine, 
of the loom, of the forest — of bounteous nature, creative art, 
and untiring industry, are brought by the agencies of com- 
merce into the universal market of demand and supply. No 
matter in what region, the desirable product is bestowed on 
man by a liberal Providence, or fabricated by human skill. 
It may clothe the hills of China with its fragrant foliage ; it 
may glitter in the golden sands of California; it may wallow 
in the depth of the Arctic seas: it may ripen and whiten on 
the fertile plains of the sunny South ; it may spring forth 
from the Hying shuttles of Manchester in England or Man- 
chester in America — the great world-magnet of commerce at- 
tracts it all alike, and gathers it all up for the service of man. 
I do not speak of English commerce or American commerce. 
Such distinctions enfeeble our conceptions. I speak of com- 
merce in the aggregate — the great ebbing and flowing tides of 
the commercial world — the great gulf-streams of traffic which 
flow round from hemisf)here to hemisphere, the mighty trade- 
winds of commerce which sweep from the old world to the 



new, — that vast aggregate system wliich embraces the whole 
family of man, and brings the overflowing treasures of nature 
and art into kindly relation with human want, convenience 
and taste. 

In carrying on this system, think for a mom.ent of the stu- 
pendous agencies that are put in motion. Think for a mo- 
ment of all the ships that navigate the sea. An old Latin 
poet, who knew no waters beyond those of the Mediterranean 
and Levant, says that the man must have had a triple casing of 
oak and brass about his bosom who first trusted his frail bark 
on the raging sea. How many tiiousands of vessels, laden by 
commerce, are at this moment navigating, not the narrow seas 
frequented by the ancients, but these world encompassing 
oceans ! Think next of the mountains of brick, and stone, 
and iron, built up into the great commercial cities of the world; 
and of all the mighty works of ancient and modern contrivance 
and structure, — the moles, the lighthouses, the bridges, the ca- 
nals, the roads, the railways, the depth of mines, the titanic 
force of enginery, the delving ploughs, the scythes, the reap- 
ers, the looms, the electric telegraphs, the vehicles of all de- 
scriptions, which directly or indirectly are employed or put in 
motion by commerce ; and last, and most important, the mil- 
lions of human beings that conduct, and regulate, and combine 
these inanimate, organic, and mechanical forces. 

And now. Sir, is it anything less than a liberal profession, 
which carries a quick intelligence, a prophetic forecast, an in- 
dustry that never tires, and, more than all, and above all, a 
stainless probity beyond reproach and beyond suspicion, into 
this vast and complicated system, and by the blessing of Prov- 
idence, works out a prosperous result ? Such is the vocation 
of the merchant — the man of business — pursued in many de- 
partments of foreign and domestic trade — of finance, of ex- 
change — but all comprehended under the general name of 
commerce; all concerned in weaving the mighty network of 
mutually beneficial exchanges which enwraps the world. 

I know there is a shade to this bright picture: where among 
the works or the fortunes of men shall we find one that is all 



60 

sunlight ? Napoleon the First thought he had said enough to 
disparage England when he had pronounced her a nation of 
shopkeepers ; and we Americans are said hy some of our own 
writers to be slaves of the aln)ighty dollar. But these are sal- 
lies of national hostility, or the rebukes which a stern moral 
sense rightly administers to the besetting sins of individuals or 
communities. Every pursuit in life, however, has its bright 
and its dark phase ; every pursuit may be followed in a gener- 
ous spirit for honorable ends, or in a mean, selfish, corrupt 
spirit, beginning and ending in personal gratification. But 
this is no more the case with the commercial than any other 
career. What more different than the profession of the law, 
as pursued by the upright counsellor, who spreads the shield 
of eternal justice over your life and fortune, and the wicked 
pettifogger who drags you through the thorns and brambles of 
vexatious litigation ? What more different than the beloved 
physician, the sound of whose soft footstep, as he ascends 
your staircase, carries hope and comfort to the couch of wea- 
riness and suffering, and the solemn, palavering, impudent 
quack, who fattens on the fears and frailties of his victims ? 
What more different than the pul|)it which reproves, rebukes, 
and exhorts in the spirit and with the authority of the gospel, 
and the pulpit which inflames and maddens, perplexes or puts to 
sleep? What more different than the press, which, like the 
morning sun, sheds light and trutli through the land, and the 
press which daily distils the concentrated venom of personal 
malice and party detraction from its dripping wings ? I be- 
lieve that the commercial profession is as capable of being pur- 
sued with intelligence, honor, and public spirit, as any other; 
and, when so pursued, is as compatible with purity, and eleva- 
tion of character as any other; as well entitled to the honors 
which a community bestows on those who adorn and serve it; 
the honors which you this day delight to pay to our friend 
and guest. 

I was not the witness of the commencement of liis career 
abroad; but we all know that it soon fell upon that disas- 
trous period when all American credit stood low — when the 



61 

default of some of the States, and the tern{)oi;iry iiuibility of 
others to meet their obligations, and the failure of several of 
our moneyed institutions, threw doubt and distrust on all Amer- 
ican securities. That great sympathetic nerve (as the anato- 
mists call it) of the commercial world — credit — as far as the 
United States were concerned, was for the time ])aralyzed. At 
that moment, and it was a trying one, our friend not only 
stood firm himself, but he was the cause of firmness in others. 
There were not at the time, probably, a half a dozen other 
men in Europe, who, upon the subject of American securities, 
would liave been listened to for a moment, in the parlor of the 
Bank of England. But his judgment commanded respect — 
his integrity won back the reliance which men had been ac- 
customed to place on American securities. The reproach in 
which they were all indiscriminately involved was gradually 
wiped away, from those of a substantial character; and if on 
this solid basis of unsuspected good faith he reared his own 
prosperity, let it be remembered that, at the same time, he re- 
trieved the credit of the State of which he was the agent ; 
performing the miracle, if I may so venture to express myself, 
by which the word of an honest man turns paper into gold. 

A course like this, however commendable, might proceed 
from calculation. If it led to prosperity and ojuilence it might 
be pursued from motives exclusively selfish. But Mr. Peabody 
took a different view of the matter, and immediately began to 
act upon an old fashioned New England maxim, which I dare 
say he learned in childhood and carried with him from Dan- 
vers, — that influence and property have their duties as well as 
their privileges. He set himself to work to promote the con- 
venience and enhance the enjoyments of his travelling fellow 
countrymen — a numerous and important class. The traveller 
— often the friendless traveller — stands greatly in need of good 
offices in a foreign land. Several of you, my friends, know 
this, I am sure, by experience ; some of you can say how per- 
severingly, how liberally, these good offices were extended by 
our friend, through a long course of years, to his travelling 
countrymen. How many days, otherwise weary, have been 



62 

winged with cheerful enjoyments through his agency^- how 
many otherwise dull hours in liealth and in sickness enlivened 
by his attentions ! 

It occurred to our friend especially to do that on a large 
scale, which had hitherto hccn done to a very limited extent 
by our diplomatic representatives abroad. The small salaries 
and still smaller i)rivate fortunes (with a single exception) of our 
ministers at St. James, had prevented them from extending the 
rites of hospitality as liberally as they could have wished to 
their fellow-citizens abroad. Our friend happily, with ample 
means, detcrmincid to supply the defect; and brought together, 
at the social board, from year to year, at a succession of enter- 
tainments ecjually magnificent and tasteful, hundreds of his 
own countrymen and of his English friends. How much was 
done in this way to promote kind feeling and mutual good 
will, to soften prejudice, to establish a good understanding, in 
a word, to nurture that generous rivalry inculcated in the sen- 
timent to which you have bid me respond, I need not say. I 
have been particularly requested by my friend, Sir Henry Hol- 
land, a gentleman of the highest social and professional stand- 
ing, to state, while expressing his deep regret that he cannot, 
in conformity with your kind invitation, participate in this 
day's festivities, that he has attended several of Mr. Pcabody's 
international entertainments in London, and felt them to be of 
the happiest tendency in promoting kind feeling between the 
two countries. 

We are bound as Americans, on this occasion particularly, 
to remember the very important services rendered by your 
guest to his countrymen who went to England in 1851, with 
specimens of the products and arts of this country, to be exhib- 
ited at the Crystal Palace. In most, perhaps in all other coun- 
tries, this exhibition had been made a government affair. Com- 
missioners were appointed by authority to protect the interests 
of tiie exhibitors, and, what was more important, appropriations 
of money were made to defray their expenses. No appropria- 
tions were made by Congress. Our exhibitors arrived friend- 
less, some of them penniless, in the great commercial Babel of 



63 

the world. They found the portion of the Crystal Palace 
assigned to our country unprepared for the s])ecimens of art 
and industry which they had hrought with them ; naked and 
unadorned, by the side of the neighboring arcades and galle- 
ries, fitted up with elegance and splendor by the richest gov- 
ernments in Europe. The English press began to launch its 
too ready sarcasms at the sorry appearance which brother Jon- 
athan seemed likely to make, and all the exhibitors from this 
country, and all who felt an interest in their success, were dis- 
heartened. At this critical moment our friend stepped forward ; 
he did what Congress should have done. By liberal advances 
on his part, the American department was fitted up ; and day 
after day, as some new product of American ingenuity and taste 
was added to the list, — McCormick's reaper, Colt's revolver, 
Powers' Greek slave, Hobbs' unpickable lock, Hoe's wonderful 
printing presses, and Bond's more wonderful spring governor, 
it began to be sus})ected that brother Jonathan was not (piite 
so much of a simpleton as had been thought. He had contrib- 
uted his full share, if not to the splendor, at least to the utili- 
ties of the exhibition. In fact the leading journal at London, 
with a magnanimity which did it honor, admitted that England 
had derived more real benefit from the contributions of the 
United States than from those of any other country. 

But our friend, on that occasion, much as he had done in 
the way mentioned to promote the interest and success of the 
American exhibitors, and to enable them to sustain that gener- 
ous rivalry to which the toast alludes, thought he had not yet 
done enough for their gratification. Accordingly, in a most 
generous international banquet, he brought together on the one 
hand the most prominent of his countrymen, drawn by the 
occasion to London, and on the other hand, the chairman of 
the Royal Commission, with other persons of consideration in 
England, and his British friends generally ; and in a loving 
cup, made of old Danvers oak, pledged them, on both sides, to 
warmer feelings of mutual good will, than they had before en- 
tertained. 

In these ways, Mr. President, our friend has certainly done 



64 

his sfiarc to carry into effect the principle of the toast, to which 
you call upon me to reply. But it is not wholly nor chiefly 
for these kindly offices and comprehensive courtesies ; not for 
the success with which he has pursued the {)aths of husiness 
life, nor for the moral courage with which, at an alarming 
crisis, and the peril of his own fortunes, he sustained the credit 
of the State he re|)resented — it is not these services that have 
called fortli this demonstration of respect. Your quiet village, 
my friends, has not gone forth in eager throngs to meet the 
successful financier; the youthful voices, to which we listened 
with such pleasure in the morning, have not been attuned to 
sing the praises of the prosperous banker. No, it is the fellow- 
citizen who, from the arcades of the London exchange, laid 
up treasure in the hearts of his countrymen ; the true patriot 
who, amidst the splendors of the old world's capital, said in his 
h?art — If I forget thee, oh Jerusalem, let my right hand forget 
her cunniug ; if I do not remember thee let my tongue cleave 
to the roof of my mouth ; — it is the dutifid and grateful child 
and benefactor of old Dan vers whom you welcome back to 
his home. [Great cheering.] 

Yes, Sir, and the property you have invested in yonder sim- 
ple edifice, and in providing the means of innocent occupation 
for hours of leisure, — of instructing the minds and forming the 
intellectual character not merely of the generation now rising, 
but of that which shall take their places, when the heads of 
those dear children, who so lately passed in happy review be- 
fore you, shall be as gray as mine, and of others still more 
distant, who shall plant kind flowers on our graves — it is the 
property you have laid up in this investment which will embalm 
your name in the blessings of posterity, when granite and 
marble shall crumble to dust. Moth and rust shall not corrupt 
it; they might as easily corrupt the pure white portals of the 
heavenly city, where "every several gate is of one pearl." 
Thieves shall not break through and steal it ; they might as 
easily break through the vaulted sky and steal the brightest 
star in the firmament. [Cheers.] 

The great sententious poet has eulogized the " Man of Ross " 



65 

— the man of practical, unostentatious benevolence — above all, 
the heroes and statesmen of the Augustan Age of England. 
Who, he asks — 

" Who hung with woods the mountain's sultry brow ? 
From the dry rock, who bade the waters flow ''. 
Not to tlic skies in useless columns tost, 
Or in proud falls magnificently lost. 
But clear and artless, pouring through the plain, 
Health to the sick, and solace to the swain." 

But your Man of Ross, my friends, has taught a nobler stream 
to flow through his native village — the bubbhng, sparkling, 
mind-refreshing, soul-cheering stream, which renews while ii 
satisfies the generous thirst for knowledge, — that noble un- 
quenchable thirst " which from the soul doth spring,*' — which 
gains new eagerness from the draught Avhich allays it, forever 
returning though forever slaked, to the cool deep fountains of 
eternal truth. 

You well recollect, my Danvers friends, the 16th of June, 
1852, when you assembled to celebrate the centennial anni- 
versary of the separation of Danvers from the parent stock. 
Your pleasant village arrayed herself that day in her holiday 
robes. Her resident citizens with one accord took part in the 
festivities. Many of her children, dispersed through the 
Union, returned tliat day to the homestead. One long absent 
was wanting, whom you would gladly have seen among you. 
But you had not forgotten him nor he you. He was beyond 
the sea, absent in body, but present in spirit and in kindly re- 
membrance. In reply to your invitation, he returned, as the 
custom is, a letter of acknowledgment, enclosing a sealed paper, 
with an endorsement setting forth that it contained Mr. Pea- 
body's sentiment, and was not to be opened till the toasts were 
proposed at the public dinner. The time arrived, — the paper 
was opened, — and it contained the following sound and signifi- 
cant sentiment : — " Education, — A debt due from the present 
to future generations." 

Now we all know that, on an occasion of this kind, a loose 
slip of paper, such as a sentiment is apt to be written on, is 
5 



'66 

in danger of being lost ; a puff of air is enough to blow it 
away. Accordingly, just by way of paper-weight, just to keep 
the toast safe on the table, and also to illustrate his view of this 
new way of paying old debts, Mr. Peabody laid down twenty 
thousand dollars on the top of his sentiment ; and for the sake 
of still greater security, has since added about as much more. 
Hence it has come to pass, that this excellent sentiment has 
sunk deep into the minds of our Danvers friends, and has, I 
suspect, mainly contributed to the honors and pleasures of 
this day. 

But I have occupied, Mr. President, much more than my 
share of your time ; and, on taking my seat, I will only con- 
gratulate you on this joyous occasion, as I congratulate our 
friend and guest at having had it in his power to surround 
himself with so many smiling faces and warm hearts. 

Rev. Dr. Braman was called for by the President, but did 
nt)t respond. 

The following Song, written by Mrs. J. R. Peabody, was 
then sung in fine style by an excellent Glee Club, led by Mr. 
M. P. Horn : 

A WELCOME TO GEORGE PEABODY, ESQ. 

BY MRS. JOEL R. PEABODY. 
Aii — Aitld Lang Siinc. 

Welcome ! illustrious friend and guest ! 

Aye, more than welcome here. 
And be the day forever blessed 

That brings back one so dear. 

We bear not forth to meet thee. Sire, 

Armorial banners, — old ; 
Nor titled peers, to greet thee, Sire, 

Their castle gates unfold. 

But Danvers homes, and Danvers hearts, 

Rejoice to sec thee here ; 
And love her potent spell imparts. 

To aid the humble cheer. 



67 

Full oft we've wished for this ^lad hour, 

That thus we mij^ht express, — 
So fur as lan<^uagc has the power, — 

Our deep indebtedness ; 

Not only that thy wealth has reared 

Yon Institute so fair, 
And doubly to our hearts endeared 

The name engraven there ; 

Nor that thy happy years, begun 

In this sequestered spot, 
Have never, as they onward run, 

This early home forgot ; 

But that thy love, beginning here, 

Swells a wide eirelet round, 
Till kindred, friends, and country dear 

In its embrace arc found. 

Nay, England's voice comes o'er the sea 

To join the proud acclaim, 
And boasts she has a right to be 

Remembered with thy name ! 

In worth like this we may rejoice, 

It is above all praise : 
Yet must we one united voice 

Of admiration raise. 

The third sentiment was complimentary to the city of Bos- 
ton, as one of the earliest plantations of the Pilgrims. 

It was expected that His Honor Mayor Rice would be pres- 
ent to respond, but he, being otherwise engaged, had retired. 
The following sentiment, contributed by him, was read : 

The Commercial Metropolis of New England cordially unites in the tribute of iionor 
and respect to the distinguished guest of this occasion. 

The next sentiment was : 

The Son of that Governor of Massachusetts whose name is proverbial for honesty 
of purpose and integrity of heart — the associate of Abbott Lawrence. 

Responded to by J. B. C. Davis of New York. He said : — 



68 



SPEECH OF MR. DAVIS. 

I am very sorry there is not some gentleman present whose 
connection with Now York has been longer than my own, to 
speak in her behalf. But I am ])roud, nevertheless, upon an 
occasion like the present, and in the midst of such an assem- 
bly, to have the honor of representing the metropolis of Amer- 
ica. We arc assembled to-day to do honor to a man of com- 
merce, — to a man, Sir, of American commerce, — who repre- 
sents, more than any other person, American commerce in the 
center of the commerce of the world. And I am proud — it is 
an honor of which any one might be proud — to be present on 
such an occasion, to represent the great metropolis of America 
— a city which sits like a lily on the water's side, and stretches 
its roots out under the sea, drawing to itself life and strength 
i'rom all the countries of the world. [Cheers.] 

We of New York recognize, in the prosperity and advance- 
ment of your distinguished guest, some sign and some shadow 
«f the advancement and prosperity of New York ; for we can 
hut be aware tliat some share of the wealth, which he has 
gained in such profusion, and which he distributes with such 
liberality, has come, in some measure, from his business con- 
nection with our merchants. It is fitting that our merchants 
should share in rendering a tribute of respect and affection to 
the man who has done so much to honor the name of Ameri- 
can merchant — who has done that most difficult of all things, 
established a new house in the old metropolis, and has ad- 
vanced the credit and character of that house, until, as has 
been said to-day, it is known throughout the world ; who has 
done so much for American credit generally, and especially for 
the sinking credit of American States, in the most difficult 
times ; and whose purse has always been as open for the ad- 
vancement of new commercial enterprises as it has for works 
of charity and beneficence. Especially do we remember — and 
I have been reminded of it to-day by a New York friend who 
was present — that at the time when a merchant of New York 
offered to the United States government the use of two ves- 



69 

sels, to proceed to the Arctic Seas in search of Sir John Frank- 
lin, it was the money of George Peabody tliat fitted ont those 
vessels, and enabled them to make those discoveries which 
have brought so mnch honor upon New York and upon this 
country. [Great cheering.] 

It has been my fortune to live in New York but a few years. 
and I cannot forget, to-day, standing upon the soil of New 
England, and taking part in these ceremonies, that I have a 
right to be here as a New Englander. I am reminded, also, in 
the persou of your guest, of what New England enterprise and 
commerce has achieved. I am reminded that the great house 
of the Barings, in London, has been guided by New England 
counsels for the last thirty years, and has imported some of the 
same stock to continue the guidance hereafter. I am remind- 
ed that the business which Astor founded there has passed into 
the hands of a New Englander, who has achieved wealth and 
position in London. I am reminded that another New Eng- 
lander, a native of Danvers, has established there another house, 
which has attained a proud position, and which has also im- 
ported new stock from New England to continue it in the 
future on the proud basis upon which it now rests. We of 
New York remember all this, and are not disposed to lake 
these laurels from New England. 

Before sitting down, as I have been myself many times a 
recipient of the munificent hospitality of Mr. Peabody in Lon- 
don, and as I have been permitted for some years past to share 
his friendship, you will permit me to add a word to what has 
been already said with regard to his efforts to promote, by his 
entertainments in London, good will between Great Britain 
and America — two nations, between whom a common lan- 
guage, a common literature, common interests, and common 
pugnacity, [laughter,] lay such foundation for causes of ditfer- 
ence. It has been truly said hero to-day — and more elo- 
quently than could be said by anybody else — that what Mr. 
Peabody has done for the last few years, has tended much to 
do away with the difficulties that might grow out of those 
causes. 



70 

I especially remember one of those entertainments that took 
place during the year of the great Exhibition, in 1851. We 
made rather a poor show at the commencement of that Exhibi- 
tion, and American stock stood about as low in the social scale 
of Europe as it could be, until somewhere about the middle of 
June. We had taken a very large space in the eastern end of 
the Crystal Palace — twice as much as we needed — we had 
employed a national vessel to bring our contributions to Eu- 
rope — we had put up an immense eagle, spreading quite across 
the eastern wing, with a big bunch of lightning flashing from 
his talons — we had opened those contributions, and we were 
displaying some few hundred or thousand square yards of 
daguerreotypes, [laughter] several bushels of shoe-pegs, [laugh- 
ter] some excellent tanned leather, with the tanner's name on 
it in gilt letters, accompanied by his daguerreotype, I believe ; 
[great laughter] some beautiful preserved peaches, which some- 
body sent out from Ohio, and which, when the Exhibition 
closed, were presented to the Q,ueen, but I do not know 
whether she ate them or not ; and, stowed away in some out- 
of-the-way corners, were some curious looking machines, 
which nobody seemed to think or care much about, and to 
get these into the building, we had to go to our friend Mr. Pea- 
body, and ask him to furnish the money, which he did with- 
out hesitation; [cheers] and it was in the midst of all these 
discouraging signs that Mr. Pcabody conceived the idea of cel- 
ebrating the 4th of July in London by a large ball, and that 
the Uuke of Wellington, and other eminent men among the 
English aristocracy and in the English political world, should 
attend and celebrate it with him. [Loud cheers.] 

Between the time of the conception of this idea and the 
time of carrying it into execution, there elapsed just about the 
time necessary to do it ; for Mr. Peabody never takes more 
ihaii that. ])etwecn a thought and the time necessary to make 
that thought a fact. [Loud applause.] The ball came off. 1- 
shall not attempt to describe it, for language would fail me 
utterly if I should undertake to do so. I can only say, that 
from the moment when, in the saloon of Almacks, the center 



71 

of fashion among the beauty and wcaUh, and the niost select 
company of England atid America, the hero of Waterloo and 
the Napoleon of American commerce walked arm in arm, there 
began to be manifest a change in the feeling towards America. 
The next week this was followed by a dinner at Liverpool, on 
board the Atlantic, when the astonished English and European 
Commissioners were shown, for the first time, one of those 
magnificent specimens of American enterprise and skill, a 
Collins steamer; and to those, I may say, the money of Mr. 
Peabody materially contributed. Then came that victory of 
the yacht America, at Cowes ; I knew not which most to ad- 
mire, the gallantry with which the victory was won, or the 
gracefulness with which the vanquished acknowledged it. 
Then came the Augnst scenes, which brought out some of 
those machines, and John Bull found that Mr. McCormick was 
essential to him ; and then the Kaffir war enabled Mr. Colt to 
dispose of many of his pistols ; and then Hobbs' locks came 
up ; and before we were through with the Exhibition, we 
were fairly in danger of being killed with kindness; and, as 
Mr. Everett said, the journals all united in echoing the praises 
uttered by Lord Granville and Sir Henry Bulwer, at the ban- 
quet given by Mr. Peabody to the exhibitors, before they 
returned to their own country. 

Therefore, Mr. Chairman, and ladies and gentlemen, it is 
that I am satisfied, from my own experience and observation 
of what takes place in England, that it was to Mr. Peabody 
more than to any one else, it was owing that the state of 
feeling toward this country, not in England alone, but through- 
out the Continent, — which takes its tone very much from the 
English press, — was entirely changed, and the present happy 
state of things exists. [Loud applause.] 

The next sentiment was : 

Ilarrard Lfniversiti/ — The Alma Mater of brilliant sons. Otir fathers established 
the nomestead as a luminous standpoint. The sons have secured their reputation 
by making it a Drummond lip^ht. 

President Walker responded briefly, as follows: — 



72 



PRESIDENT WALKER'S REMARKS. 

Mr. President : — 

I would most respectfully and gracefully acknowledge the 
honorable mention which has been made of Harvard College. 
And having done this, if I were to consult my own feelings, 
or, I may add, my discretion, I should sit down. But I con- 
sider, Sir, that I am indebted for the honor of being here to 
my connection with the oldest literary institution in this coun- 
try, and I feel that I ought not to be entirely silent where the 
praises of the merchants are spoken. Look at our literary in- 
stitutions throughout the land ! It is hardly saying too much 
to say that our colleges, endowed schools, public libraries and 
institutes, are what our merchants have made them. Take 
away what has been done by the munificence of our mer- 
chants, — take away what our Perkinses and our Lawrences 
have done for us, and we should have to shut up our halls and 
lecture rooms ; or, rather, we should never have had any halls 
or lecture rooms to open. For this reason, Mr. President, Learn- 
ing sends, — I regret, from the bottom of my heart, that she has 
no better messenger to-day — for these reasons. Learning sends 
her tribute to this great peaceful moral triumph. [Applause.] 

The next sentiment was : 

Old Salem — Tlie respected mother of many chikli-en. Ilcr daughter Danvers, and 
her grand-daughter South Danvers, tender to her their filial salutation. 

His Honor, William S. Messervy, Mayor of Salem, respond- 
ed by saying : — 

MR. MESSERVY'S RESPONSE. 

Mr. President : — 

The Americans are said to be the best makers of money and 
the worst spenders of it in the world. No desire that engrosses 
the mind of man, or absorbs the energies or thoughts of indi- 
viduals, requires, for the securement of its fruition, so small an 
amount of talent as that of accumulating wealth. No ambition 
is so easily gratified, and no ambition so petrifies the heart and 



73 

deadens the kindlier and nobler sentiments of our nature, as the 
fixed, one idea of becoming rich. And when this one idea is 
unmixed with private charity, with public benefactions, with 
literature, art or science, the material wealth of a country may 
thereby be augmented, its sensual luxuries may be extended, 
but its strength and importance must and will be diminished. 

The Political Economist, who looks only to the material 
wealth of a country as the indication of its value, may know 
something of science, but he understands but little of human- 
ity. He is a poor man, Sir, who has nothing but his wealth 
to repose upon. lie alone is rich and worthy, whose judg- 
ment is sound, whose heart is liberal, and whose actions are 
just and disinterested. Our Friend — because the friend of 
humanity — whom we have this day met to greet and to honor, 
commands our respect, our gratitude and admiration, for the 
riches of his heart, for the wealth of his mind, and for the 
priceless worth of his life and character, his precepts and ex- 
ample. 

We behold him, unaided and alone, working his w^ay up 
from a very humble dwelling, in a very humble parish, and with 
only the limited education of a very common school, to the 
highest positions of trust and confidence in the commercial 
circles of his own country, and to still higher and more confi- 
dential positions in the metropolis of the world. And then, 
wdien crowned with honors, wealth and distinctions, — when 
the titled, the learned and the great of the world strove to no- 
tice and to honor him, he puts them all aside, and comes up 
here to-day, in his own native village, in sight of the humble 
home where he was born, and tells us that he cherishes, above 
all other objects, the recollections of his earlier days; and, as 
we behold him gazing upon the scenes of his boyhood, avc can 
almost hear the throbbings of his great heart, beating responsive 
to the couplet : 

" Where'er I roivm, whatever realms to sec, 
My heart iintravelled fuiidly turns to thee." 

This is the man. Sir, whom Salem, no less than UanverSj is 
proud to recognize, and delights to honor. 



74 

The next regular sentiment was : 

The learned Professor of Greek Literature in Jfarrard University — Although his em- 
inent attJiinmcnts may he all Greek to us, his j;enial humor and enlivening wit are 
plain English. 

Responded to by Professor C. C. Felton, substantially as 
follows : — 

PROFESSOR C. C. FELTON'S RESPONSE. 

Mr. Chaikman, — 

I could not have been more surprised had a thunder-peal fallen 
from the skies upon this assemblj'', than I was to receive notice, 
a few moments ago. from your messenger, that you intended 
to call me up on this occasion. I nevertheless rise readily and 
freely, to join with this immense assembly in testifying my ad- 
miration and affection for the eminent man you have delighted 
to honor to-day. But seeing his pleasant face before me re- 
minds me of a little incident that happened to me in London. 
Through his kindly interposition — while, for a short time, I was 
in that great " Babel of the Nations," as it has been not inappro- 
priately called, — I received an invitation to dine with the Royal 
Literary Fund Society. Two or three days before the meet- 
ing I was notified that I was expected to respond to a senti- 
ment, and the sentiment was kindly communicated, in order 
that I might prepare an extemporaneous speech on the occasion. 
[Great merritnent.] » 

Ahhough the time I had there was short, and I wished 
to devote it to other purposes, yet I stayed at home and locked 
my door, one entire day, in the heart of London, in order to 
get ready to respond to that sentiment. I wrote it out careful- 
ly, looking to see that every verb had its nominative case, and 
that it agreed, too, with its nominative case. [Tiaughter.] I 
knew that I was to speak in the presence of some of the greatest 
writers and most eminent men in England, and I fancied that, 
in my humble measure, I had to speak for the literature of the 
United States. I wrote out my speech, as I have said, folded 
it up carefully, having committed it to memory, put it in my 
pocket, and carried it with me to that splendid entertainment, 



75 

for fear my memory should prove trcnchorous, and I should 

break down. I did not dare to eat, I did not dare to drink 

dinners and suppers there are not exactly what they are here. 
They respect cold water mainly because it is an excellent 
agent to remove from face and hands the soil of London smoke : 
and they like a cup of coffee — aflfr dinner. [Laughter and 
applause;] I could only feast my eyes on the brilliant show, 
and the sparkling glasses. I literally complied with the re- 
quest of the lover in Ben Jonson's song : — 

" Drink to ine only witli thine eyes." 

And so I waited for my turn to come. But, Sir — and I have 
been reminded of the circumstance to-day, by my friend Mr. 
Peabody — the President of the evening was the eloquent and 
able D'Israeli, who made two excellent, but, as a Yankee 
would say, rather lengthy speeches, and other gentlemen, less 
eloquent, made speeches lengthier still, so that the evening 
passed away, and the toasts had not got down within six of the 
one to which 1 was to respond, and I went home with that 
extemporaneous speech in my coat pocket. [Laughter.] I car- 
ried it over Europe, — I carried it to Turkey, but the Turks 
are not addicted to dinner speeches, — and 1 brought it home to 
America ; but from that time to this I have had no opportiuiity of 
making it ; and if I had dreamed of being called up here to-day, 
I should certainly have taken it in my pocket along with me. 

Voices — Let 's have it ! 

Prof. Felton — It is not here. 

Mr. Peabody — I hope you will bring it to London. 

Prof. Felton — Most certainly I will; and at the next cele- 
bration in this town, in honor of Mr. Peabody, I promise to put 
that s})eech in my pocket. [Applause.] 

I think, Mr. President, I may say that I, also, have some 
personal claim to stand up here, and say a single word to-day. 
If I mistake not, men of my name, blood and lineage, for more 
than two hundred years, have lived in Old Danvers. I think 
the ancestor from whom I am directly descended came here 
in 163G, and from that day to this, I believe, the name has not 
been wanting among the useful citizens of this town ; and I 



76 

feel, therefore, a certain share of personal pride in the honors 
which you this day, citizens of Danvers, have assembled to be- 
stow iii)on your illustrious fellow-citizen. I say illustrious, 
for if any man is illustrious, it is he who, going forth with 
nothing but his hands and his character, as has been so well 
said by one of the speakers, and engaging in the struggles of 
life in the mightiest metropolis of the world, returns, after an 
interval which, long as it is, is only a short one in which to 
have accomplished such triumi)hs, with his princely fortune, 
his honorable fame, and more than princely heart, to meet the 
companions of his childhood, and to be welcomed by the citi- 
zens of the town whom his munificence has blessed, and will 
bless forever. [Loud applause.] 

Mr. President, I am one of that famous tribe of " wandering 
Arabs" who have crossed the ocean, and have shared in the 
hosj)italilies of your distinguished guest ; and I am indebted to 
him — it is not egotism that prompts me to say it, but a desire 
to add my tribute to the chaplet of honor with which you have 
crowned him to-day — I am indebted to him, I say, for much of 
my enjoyment in the old world. I reached London a stranger 
to him, having no letter of introduction to him, not even 
letter of credit. [Laughter.] He sought me out, and invited 
me to one of those almost regal entertainments ; and the hours 
that I spent in the society gathered by him on that delightful 
occasion, arc among the most pleasant reminiscences of my 
foreign tour. I well remember the society brought together on 
that occasion. The noble sons and lovely daughters of Eng- 
land came, honoring by their presence your fellow-citizen, who 
had honored them by his invitation — and they felt it so; and 
there I listened to words of friendship towards the American 
nation which would make every heart in this assembly throb 
with delight if they conld hear them, as I heard them, spoken 
by the most eloquent lips of England. 

I think, Mr. President, if there is any Englishman here pres- 
ent, he must have felt that the sentiment of friendship for that 
great and illustrious nation — the foremost nation in modern 
civilization, the great bulwark of liberty, whose language, as 



77 

has been well and truly said by one of their great writers is 
the oidy language upon the face of the earth in which the 
accents of freedom can be uttered — is congenial to the American 
heart ; he must have felt that the words of good will so often 
uttered on those festive occasions of which Mr. Peabody was 
the originator, have found a ready response from the people of 
this country, as proved by this multitudinous assembly. And I 
must confess — Republican as I am, ultra Republican as I am. 
[cheers] — that my heart beat quicker when the mention of the 
Royal Lady of England was received with three hearty cheers 
from this republican assembly ; for that Sovereign Lady illus- 
trates, in her high position, all those domestic and household vir- 
tues, which, while they give dignity to the lowliest position, are 
the ornament and the pride of the most exalted. It is true we 
owe her no political allegiance ; but the virtues of the Queen 
of England, while they secure to her the love and loyalty of 
her subjects, entitle her to the willing fealty of every honorable 
man in republican America. [Loud cheers.] 

Mr. President, I know of no man, whose position, at this 
moment, is so proud and enviable, as that of Mr. Peabody. 
After a long absence, he returns to his native town, under 
extraordinary circumstances, and with more than a Roman 
triumph. He returns at a season of the year when field and 
forest are clothed in the rich variety of blending colors which 

" Nature's own swoct and canning hand laid on ;" 

and here, under this beautiful sky of October, is welcomed by 
this vast assemblage of men and women, all gathered to do him 
honor — and not lip honor, — but that which liows from grateful 
hearts and minds enriched — from hearts grateful not for them- 
selves alone, but for posterity — for the future generations, who 
shall drink from the fountain of knowledge he has opened, to 
flow on and flow forever, a perennial and perpetual blessing. 
As I have looked over this assembly, and seen these bright eyes 
suflused, and these lovely countenances flushed with joy in 
welcoming home again your distinguished fellow-citizen, I 
confess I have envied him ; and I could not help smiling, as I 
remembered that, among the duties usually thought to belong 



78 

to the man and the citizen, there is one which Mr. Peabody 
has failed to perform — I say I could not help smiling to notice, 
that in spite of Mr. Peabody's short-comings in this respect — 
the photographic portrait of that pleasant countenance, the 
•'counterfeit presentment" of our beloved friend, adorns full 
many a fair and happy breast around me.* [Laughter and ap- 
plause.] 

I will not detain you longer. My thoughts this afternoon 
have been ruiniing on the Beatitudes, rather than on other 
portions of the Scriptures, and if you will allow me, I will 
close by olfering one of them, with all reverence, as a senti- 
ment : — 

" Blessed are the })(!accmakors " [Loud cheers.] 

At the conclusion of Prof. Felton's remarks, the following 
original Ode was sung : — 

ODE. 

BY MRS. GEORGE A. OSBORNE. 

A\R— America. 

Our Friend ! the people's friend, 
Wc now our voices blend 

To welcome thee. 
Thy glad return wc greet, 
With joy this day we meet. 
Our hearts with ardor beat. 

Thy face to see. 

Great in thy well ))roved worth, 
The land that gave thcc birth 

Welcomes her son. 

Though far beyond the sea, 

Thy chosen home may be, 

Wc ne'er will speak of thcc. 

But as our own. 

A friend in word and deed, 
And in our country's need. 

Thou ever art. 
Thou hast, with loving hand, 
Joined in a friendly band. 
This with our father-land. 

In hand and heart. 

* Many of the ladies wore the likeness of Mr. Peabody set in their breastpins. 



79 

Right nohly liast tliou shed 
Rich I)lcssiii<;s on our h.^ad, 

Thy native town. 
And made; it our birthright, 
To bask in wisdom's light. 
With knowledge, truth and right, 

Our lives to crown. 

Then swell tlic grateful strain 
Of Welcome still again ; 

Long life to thee. 
May God upon thy Iiead, 
His richest blessings shed, 
And thou at last be led 

With Him to be. 

The next regular sentiment was : 

The memory of Abbott Lawrence. 

The President called upon Mr. Charles Hale, of Boston, to 
respond to this sentiment. 

MR. HALE'S REMARKS. 

Mr. H. rose and said that he regretted, as he felt sure all 
those present must regret, that accidental circumstances had 
prevented the attendance on this most agreeable occasion of 
any person bearing the name of Mr. Lawrence who might more 
appropriately than himself- answer to the sentiment that iiad 
just been proposed. But since I have been called upon, (said 
he) — Boston boy as I am, and taught in one of those Boston 
schools which has been decorated v/ith the bounty of Mr. Law- 
rence, — I should be false to the place of my birth and to my 
training if I hesitated to answer the summons. It is fit that 
Mr. Lawrence's name should be remembered to-day ; not that 
anything need be said of the excellence of his life or the great 
importance of his public services, but because this is a celebra- 
tion in which he would have delighted to participate. It would 
have afforded him peculiar pleasure to unite in doing honor to 
our distinguished guest. Mr. Lawrence knew Mr. Peabody 
well ; and could appreciate him. As United States minister 
in London he had many opportunities of witnessing Mr. Pea- 



80 

body's generous hospitalities and valuable services extended to 
his fellow-couMtrj^men ; and after his return to America, he 
assisted in laying the corner stone of that noble Institute, which 
will perpetuate the name of Peabody until the latest genera- 
tion. Ifo kM(!\v the value of Mr. Peabody's exertions in pro- 
moting a better acquaintance between the people of Great 
Britain and the United States, by means of those magnificent 
festive occasions to which allusion has already been made. 
His sense of gratitude to Mr. Peabody is set forth in a letter, 
(not before published,) which Mr. H. proceeded to read, as 

follows : — 

Legation of the United States, 

138 Piccadilly, July 5, 1851. 

My Dciir Mr. Peabody, — I should be unjust to myself and to our 
country, as its representative at this court, if I were not to offer my ac- 
knowledgments and heartfelt thanks for myself and our country, for 
the more than regal entertainment you gave to me and mine, and to 
our countrymen generally, now in London, in conniicmoration of one 
of the most important events in the political history of the world. The 
results of the Declaration of hidependence of the thirteen North Amer- 
ican Britisii Colonies, in 1776, are yet but partially developed ; enough, 
however, has been realized to satisfy a portion of mankind that hinnan 
freedom is their birthright, and that man is capable of self-government, 
and will sooner or later demand and obtain civil and religious liberty. 
Our country has successfully illustrated this proposition. I glory in 
the magnitude, resources, prosperity and power of the Union. Your 
idea of bringing together the inhabitants of two of the greatest nations 
upon earth, connected by the tics of blood with a common ancestry, 
and a thousand interesting and endearing associations, was a most 
felicitous conception, and will, I trust, be productive in consummating 
that harmony of international feeling which should exist between parent 
and child. I am quite certain that the effects of bringina together 
British and American people on the 4th of July, will not be limited 
to the two countries. There is not a despotic government in Europe 
that will not pause and reflect upon this extraordinary meeting, of 
which you have been the author and llnisher. I congratulate you upon 
the distinguished success that has crowned your efforts. Your reward 
must be found in the consciousness of having done that which was 
never before attempted, and which has resulted most successfully, by 
proving that the time had arrived when the people of both countries 
could meet together and sacrifice upon the altar of a common ancestry 
their former prejudices. I hope and believe that this kind international 
feeling inay strengthen with age, and that you may long live to enjoy 
the fruits of tlie patriotic sentiments that prompted the performance of 
this full, large-hearted action. 

With a renewal of my grateful thanks for this testimonial to my 



81 

family and myself, I am, my dear Mr. Pcabody, most faithfully your 
friend and obedient servant, Abbott Lawrence. 

George Peabout, Esq. 

That is the testimony borne by Mr. Lawrence (continued 
Mr. H.) to the value of Mr. Peabody's services in cultivating 
friendly relations between these two great nations. And the 
plan is indeed an admirable one. In both of these countries, 
the government is sensitive to public opinion; and if the peo- 
ple wish peace — whatever be the inclinations of their rulers, 
an interruption of friendly relations is impossible. Mr. Peabody 
understands this. He sows the seeds of Peace ; and tlie fruit 
cannot be war. This is good philosophy, sound statesman- 
ship. Its practice is a step towards that glorious second golden 
age, of which the British poet-laureate has sung — 

When the war drums throb no longer, and the battle-flags arc furled 
In the Parliament of man, the Federation of the World. 

The following volunteer sentiment was read, and Hon. G. 
W. Warren, Ex-Mayor of Charlestown, was called upon : 

The Trans- Atlantic Drinking Cup, made of Danvers Oak — Of sucli (rups as th«'« 
tliere cannot be " a cup too much." 

Mr. Warren responded, and gave : 

Oar Guest — He may be excused for not taking a wife, b<;cause he haa bestoworJ 
his whole affection upon his native town. 

The next sentiment was : 

Scientia Juris — Old mother Salem has been prolific in distinguished juristo. In 
running along the line of time, through Story, Pickering, Saltoiistail, and others o' 
the past, she proudly presents the two Lords, Huntington, and their honored asso- 
ciates of to-day. 

Hon. Otis P. Lord was called for, but he did not respond. 
The next sentiment was then given : — 

Judge White, of Salem — The retired jurist, of Salem, still devoting himwilf to }m 
love of science and letters — lie remarkably illustrates the n\()tto. " Ofium cum d>n- 
nitate." 

Judge White responded briefly, as follows : — 
6 



82 



JUDGE WHITE'S RESPONSE. 

Mr. President : — 

I have but a word to say, and that must be superfluous after 
all that has been so well said by others. Till this bright 
morning opened upon us, I had little hope that I should be 
able to be with you to-day, though determined to come if my 
strength would bring me here. I heartily thank you, Sir, and 
other friends of Danvers, for all the manifestations I have re- 
ceived of your kindness. Three times before the present I 
have been honored by your welcome reception. First, on 
your glorious Centennial Anniversary, a celebration more deep- 
ly interesting to me than any I had ever attended in my whole 
iife. There certainly must be among the people of Danvers 
not only the requisite spirit, but genius and taste of no ordi- 
nary quality, to render such celebrations in the highest degree 
attractive. Next came the foundation of the Peabody Insti- 
tute, the laying of the corner-stone ; and then followed the 
dedication of the edifice to the important purposes of the Insti- 
tute. All these occasions were made as delightful to your 
friends as they were honorable to yourselves. This day 
crowns the whole, and I rejoice with you in the triumphant 
success of your Jubilee of Gratitude. 

It affords me the richest gratification to join with you in 
honoring a benefactor who is so worthy of all honor ; one, too, 
whose estimable character in early life was well known to me, 
and whose virtues and manly bearing and beneficent public 
spirit have inspired me with profound respect. We delight to 
honor such a man. not for his wealth, nor for his brilliant 
career of prosperity and his princely fortune ; but for his per- 
sonal worth. Wealth in itself is entitled to no special honor ; 
in its right use, "there all the honor lies." Fortunes, even 
princely fortunes, spring up sometimes like Jonah's gourd, and 
prove of as little value to the possessor or to the world. It is 
tlie man that wc honor on this occasion, the intrinsic man ; it 
IS the wise head knowing the uses of money as well as the 
means of acquiring it, and comprehending all its best uses ; it 



83 

is the great heart nobly sustaining great wealth and making it 
a blessing to mankind ; it is the generous soul which swells 
with increasing possessions and <!xpands with o))portnnities of 
beneficent action, rising to heaven in its responsibilities and 
aspirations. 

Among the happiest moments of my life were those I en- 
joyed at your memorable Centennial Celebration, when was 
first announced the munificent benefaction made by your hon- 
ored guest for the moral and intellectual advancement of the 
people of his native town in all coming time. Then, in the 
benefactor's absence, I had the heartfelt pleasure to express tbe 
deep sense which I entertained of his merits, — his rare union 
of sagacity, benevolence and patriotism in the use of abundant 
wealth, and his enduring claims upon the gratitude and respect 
of all his countrymen. 

Allow me, Sir, to close these brief remarks with a sentiment 
which is the ardent wish of my heart : — 

Perpetual happiness to the benefactor whom we honor ; and may his noble exam- 
ple in the use of wealth be followed by all who are alike successful in acquiring it. 

The next sentiment was : 

Tlie Granite State — Our festival is graced by one of her most eminent sons, whosa 
services at home and abroad deserve and shall receive our grateful remembrance. 

Judge Upham, of New Hampshire, was called upon to reply. 

JUDGE UPHAM'S REMARKS. 

He commenced by thanking the President for the compli- 
mentary allusion to New Hampshire, and that he desired only 
to say of it at this time that it was one of the earliest States to 
come into the Union, and he trusted it would be one of the 
last to go out. [Cheers.] He also thanked the Committee for 
the opportunity of being present on this interesting occasion. 

I know of nothing, he remarked, that can be more gratify- 
ing to an individual than, after a long absence from his native 
town, to be received with the kindness and cordiality the peo- 
ple of Danvers have manifested to their distinguished citizen 
to-day. 



84 

Yon have tokens of his remembrance permanently about 
yon, that will avail for the benefit of your children and your 
children's children. You complete this day the circle of kind- 
ness by siiowing your high appreciation of the man, and your 
gratitude to your noble benefactor. It is delightful to us who 
have our own personal obligations to thank him for, to unite 
our tribute with yours, and to acknowledge that wider circuit 
of obligation that is felt by his friends throughout the entire 
country. 

He has not permitted us to do it elsewhere by any public 
demonstration in his behalf, and we come up hither to the 
shrine nearest his heart to bid him our thanks and welcome 
here. 

i had long an opportunity of witnessing those international 
.courtesies and kindnesses, which he was the medium of ex- 
tending to citizens both of his native and adopted country ; 
and I can bear witness to their effect in removing asperities 
and jealousies, so liable to arise among people who are such 
keen competitors in the race of honors. He has been a public 
benefactor in this respect. 

He has succeeded in the bold attempt to unite Englishmen 
and Americans in the celebration of our nation's jubilee, and 
Wellington on such occasions has known how to do honor to 
himself, by honoring the memory of Washington. [Applause.] 
And Royalty has paid grateful tribute to the memory of a day 
that displaced, in a righteous cause, the brightest jewel from 
its crown. 

Sir, we all desire to do honor to a man who strives to con- 
tribute to the harmony and peace of nations. 

If he is entitled to the rew^ard of a benefactor who makes 
two blades of grass grow where one grew before, he certainly 
i.s far more entitled to it, who substitutes, instead of the rank 
weeds of pride and prejudice, the kindly affections of respect 
and regard. 

He closed by proposing to offer as a sentiment : 

George Paibody — The private m.iii, yet ])tiblk' citizen. The individual wlio rcp- 
rxscnts not merely his own {rrcat henrt, but brings together, in fraternal regard, the 
united hearts of two great natiuu-s. 



85 

Judge Upham's remarks and toast were received with loud 
applause. 

The next regular toast was : 

The Intercourse of the People of England and the United States — The mutual and 
reciprocal interchange of individual courtesies tends to mutual advantage, and 
incrjases mutual prosperity. 

Mr. James Carruthers, of England, was called on to re- 
spond, 

MR. CARRUTHER'S REMARKS. 

He said he should regret if the record of this meeting 
went to England without some one to answer for her island 
queen and island people. He had seen that day the Cross of 
St. George waving alternately with the Stars and Stripes ; he 
had heard the strains of both Hail Columbia and God Sai-c the 
Queen. [Applause.] He had just been asked wherein this 
demonstration differed from any he had elsewhere seen. It was 
wholly individual in character, as distinct from mere corporate 
or municipal action. It appeared that each individual found in 
the guest of the occasion the realization of his highest ideal of 
American characteristics. In a more enlarged sense, they were 
paying homage to a principle of individual action that was fast 
giving ascendancy to Americans, amidst the nations of the earth. 
Each American had the deepest possible interest in being 
known, so as to be freed from the biassed judgment of nations 
who reasoned on narrower and more selfish grounds. When 
we look to the unchangeable bases of the great code of indi- 
vidual justice, from which emanated American institutions — 
when it was remembered that these principles had their assent 
in the consciences of all men — it was marvellous that other 
nations should have been so slow to adopt any portion of them 
in their mutual and reciprocal intercliange, not only of cour- 
tesies but of duties. An American banker in London stood in 
a proud position to illustrate the character of his countrymen. 
His own institution was individual in character. It was es- 
tablished by its own profits, supported by its own means, and 



86 

stood on its own resources. Mr. C. proceeded to say that he 
had no need to tell how Mr. Peabody was appreciated in Eng- 
land ; still less how his fame had been echoed back. The 
presence of the ladies was the sign manual of the character of 
his reception. He need not put to the Governor, — or any of 
the legislative members, the query of a speaker of the House 
of Commons, who, spying some ladies in the gallery peeping 
over the gentlemen's shoulders, called out, " What borough do 
these ladies serve for?" Such men as yourself, said Mr. C, 
turning to Mr. Peabody, are the true pacificators of the day, 
and in the interests you promote and conserve, we recognize 
the only secure foundation of an alliance. 

Hon. C. W. Upham responded to the following sentiment : 

Our Country — Great in its resources and great in its achievements ; let it also be 
great in its influence for good in the family of nations. 

SPEECH OF HON. CHARLES W. UPHAM. 
Mr. President, — 

In participating, on this occasion, I feel the force of the mo- 
tive that will bring hundreds of our fellow-citizens, in every 
part of the country, to cross the path of the honored guest of 
the day — gratitude for kind attentions to members of our fam- 
ilies, while visiting the great metropolis of the commercial 
world, to whose hospitalities he has long contributed a truly 
princely share. 

His presence here, in his native land and his native village ; 
the recollection of the influence he has steadily exerted to 
bring together and make as one household the people of Great 
Britain and America, and the cordial, liberal tone of the senti- 
ments expressed at this happy festival, all conspire in leading 
my thoughts forward to a glorious future for the civilized 
world. 

Two of the first-rate powers of the earth speak the same 
language, have to a considerable extent similar institutions of 
representative government and popular liberty, and are in- 
spired with the same vital and immortal element of relisrious 



87 

truth. They already command the commerce of the world ; 
and are destined to realize for their noble speech, and the great 
principles of liberty and law it carries with it wherever it goeb, 
a universal dominion. It is the language of the British Isles and 
of all the vast world-wide possessions of that empire. It will 
be the language of all North America. It will be planted eve- 
rywhere by the commerce of these two nations. The mischief 
of Babel will, at last, be repaired, every wall of partition re- 
moved, and the whole world be made one. 

The contemplation of such a final result is grateful to the 
mind, because it authorizes the hope that permanent peace 
will accompany the spread of one language. This, however, 
will depend upon the relations to each other which England 
and America organize and establish now. If a spirit of harmo- 
ny, good will, and true friendship is preserved between them, 
it will impart its tone to the literature and whole life of the 
people of both nations ; and as they go on, hand in hand, in 
the mighty progress of their wealth, in the all-pervading ex- 
tension of their commerce, in the diffusion of their principles, 
social elements, manners, and language, the blessings of peace 
and love will follow in their track. The prospects of humani- 
ty do, indeed, thus depend upon continuing friendly relations, 
and deepening friendly feelings between these two countries. 

Our honored guest has performed a great part in promoting 
this end. The occasion itself symbolizes the idea I have sug- 
gested. We have met to welcome one who is a living bond of 
union between these two nations. He belongs to them both. 
Long years and great transactions give him a home there. 
The untravelled, undimmed affections of childhood and youth, 
and a constant series of acts of beneficent remembrance of his 
native town, have preserved a home for him here. From these 
scenes his heart has never been estranged. In his life and 
deeds. Old and New England come together. They illustrate 
the sentiment I now beg leave to propose : 

England and America— Thaxr best benefactors and truest patriots arc those w'no 
seek to establish and perpetuate a cordial friendship between them. 



88 



ODE. 

BY HARRIET W. PRESTON, 

A MkDAI, SCnOLAB OF THE HOLTEN HlOH ScUOOL, DaKVKBS. 

Tune—Auld Lang Si/ne.. 

Thrice welcome to thy native land I 
. Louj; hath thine exile been ; 
And few and changed, the early friends 

Who greet thee back again. 
But thou art not a stranger, where 

Thy lavish gifts have come, 
And we, who honored thee afar. 

With joy receive thee home. 

Oh ! noble heart that wealth and power 

Could never warp or chill ; 
And open hand that, every hour, 

Obeys the kindly will ; 
Oft, as across the ocean wave, 

To us their carrier flew ; 
We longed, ourselves, like power to have 

And souls to use it too. 

Our full hearts have not fitly shown 

Their gratitude and pride ; 
But all the landscape thou hast known 

Hath Autumn glorified. 
And in the blue of stainless skies 

Her silver flags unrolled. 
And decked for thee, the forest ranks, 

With scarlet and with gold. 



TOASTS AND SENTIMENTS. 

We annex some of the toasts and sentiments offered at the 
table, which were not announced for want of time. 

Ruftis CJtoatc — An adopted son of old Danvers. Here he won his first garlands, 
and here will his well earned fame be cherished. 

Professor Agassiz — Switzerland, his native land — America, his adopted country. 
His reput;ition for science belongs to the world. 

The Mouth of the Mnrimac — The city planted there proves by her works she forgets 
not the reput<ation she has to sustain for her early commerce and enterprise. 

Hon. George Bancroft — The truthful and brilliant writer of his country's history. 
May the time be very long before another pen shall need to record his own. 




\ I- 



''>V^'W^; . ^^^ 5' ^'^' 




89 

Hon. Robert C. Wintlirop — WJiosi; comprchensivu statcsiiiansliip und f;raccful ora- 
tory have added lustre to a name justly celebrated in tlie early history of our Com- 
monwealth. 

The Scholar — Whose varied accomplishments and classic tastes have heen the ad- 
miration of students ajid men of letters — the friends of the Peahody Institute desiro 
to hear the voice of the lion. George S. Ilillard. 

The City of Philadelphia — Its brotherly love has prompted it to extend the frater- 
nal hand to us in our endeavors to do honor to our distinguished Benefactor. We 
cordially return the grasp. 

Baltimore, the Monimioital City — Her proudest monuments are the intelligence, 
energy and integrity of her citizens. 

The States of the Union and the Union of the States — Mutually dependent, one can- 
not exist without the otiier. 

Natlianiel Bowditch, the La Place of America — To England and the United States 
the sole interpreter of the " Mecaniquc Celeste." Danvcrs feels proud of the hum- 
ble dwelling where the infant Philosopher took his first " lunar observations" from 
the lap of his mother. 

Hon. Hcnnj Barnard — The able champion of Free Schools. Although Rhode 
Island and Connecticut owe him special acknowledgments, a debt of gratitue is due 
to him from our whole country. 

By Hon. Richard S. Rogers of Salem. 

Peabody Imtitute—A monument of munificent generosity by a native son of Old 
Danvcrs. One no less honored abroad, than beloved at liome. He has reared an 
edifice that will render the ancient name imperishable, and added a link to bind the 
people of the two towns more firmly together, though separated by a name. May 
they gratefully appreciate its usefulness and blessings to all future times. 

27ie Great Names of ^'w/Zaxc/— Alfred, Bacon, Shakspeare, and Milton. 
They are ours by inheritance. Our share in their glory is that of brothcrliood with 
the elder branch of the family. 

" Education — A Debt dm from present to future Generations" — A sentiment as sound 
in its philosophy as it is graceful in its diction. May we, by our unremitting atten- 
tion to the advancement of Education, emulate, as far as we are aide, the zeal of its 
illustrious author. 

By Hon. Allen Putnam of Roxbury. 

Memory — A debt due from tlie present to past generations. 



LETTERS. 

We have drawn largely on our corrospondencc with gentlemen, 
whose presence and voices would have been welcome to our festive 
board, but who were prevented from attending, or, if here, were de- 
barred, for want of time, from giving utterance to tlieir sentiments. 

It will be seen that the writers of these letters represent not only the 
highest mercantile interests, but all the learned professions,— the schol- 



90 

arship, jurisprudence, and statesmanship of our country. These letters 
are full of ardent sympathy with our grand object, and abound in testi- 
monials appreciative of the high character of our eminent townsman. 
However varied in expression, there is so much unity of design in the 
several writers that it cannot fail to be seen that all give their hearty 
approbation of our purpose and their best wishes for our success in 
rendering due honor to our Guest, 

We first append the form of invitation addressed to the several 
guests of the town : — 

South Danvers, Sept. 29, 1856. 
Dear Sir : 

The citizens of the Old Town of Danvers (now Danvers and 
South Danvers) propose to give a public reception and dinner, on 
Thursday, the 9th of October next, to their distinguished townsman and 
benefactor, George Peabody, Esq., of London, on the occasion of his 
contemplated visit to his native place, after an absence of more than 
twenty years. 

Trusting in your willingness to honor the occasion by your presence, 
they tender you an earnest invitation to unite with them in this expres- 
sion of gratitude and respect. 
Very truly. 

Your obedient servants, 

Robert S. Daniels, 
Geo. Osborne, 
Eben Sutton, 
Alfred A. Abbott, 
Fitch Poole, 

Committee of Invitation. 



[From Hon. Rufus Choate.] 

Boston, Oct. 8, 1S56. 
My Dear Sir : 

I regret extremely that I cannot be present to unite with you, and 
my friends of so many years, in Danvers, to welcome your estimable 
son and benefactor to his dear native; land, and to his home. To his 
gratification and honor, nothing will be wanting, and one voice will not 
be missed among so many hundreds. Yet it would have afforded me 
true pleasure to sit with you at that beautiful family board ; and to see 
and hear with what eloquence of the aflections you will receive your 
guest ; will congratulate him on the prosperity which has crowned his 
life, and rewarded his virtue and capacity ; and thank him for the large 
and well-conceived charities, by which he has made, in such " good 
measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over," the filial 
return for the parental love and care. 

But this is impossible ; and I can only wish you an unclouded Octo- 
ber sun to shine upon your tent, and a fair harvest moon to light you 
all homeward when the banquet is over. 



91 

I am tempted, adverting to the changes which Mr. Peahody will find 
Time to have wrought in our beloved Danvers ; the new faces he will 
see, the old ones he will seek in vain ; and the whole graceful and de- 
lightful welcome he is receiving, to enclose you, if you and he will 
excuse its personality, the following. 

I am, most truly, your friend, 

RUFUS CHOATE. 

Our Guegt—A livings man, in the prime of his life, and a bachelor ; lie stands to- 
day in the midst of a numerous, grateful, and fond posterity — all the better, wiser, 
and happier for their ancestor. 



[From Edmund A. Grattan, Esq.] 

British Consulate, Boston, 

Saturday, Oct. 11, 1856. 
Hon. R. S. Daniels, President of the 

Peabody Celebration, South Danvers — 
Dear Sir : 

I regret extremely that in consequence of a misapprehension on 
my part in regard to the toasts to be given from the Chair at the dinner 
at Danvers on Thursday last, I had not an opportunity of making the 
kw remarks expressive of my high regard for Mr. Peabody, and of my 
gratification at the admirable character of the celebration, which I had 
proposed to deliver had I been called upon. I should have gladly 
borne my testimony, as an Englishman, to the great esteem and respect 
in which your distinguished fellow-countryman is universally held in 
England, and have referred to the constant efforts of Mr. Peabody to 
cultivate friendly relations and to promote a good understanding be- 
tween England and America, which have given him so high a place 
in the afTections nnd regard of the people of both countries. 

It has been my good fortune more than once to have partaken of 
Mr. Peabody's hospitalities in London, and to have been present on 
some of those festive occasions which, under his auspices, have so 
often brought together Englishmen and Americans for purposes of easy 
and unrestrained social intercourse. Many persons, occupying eminent 
positions on both sides of the Atlantic, have thus had o[)portutiitics of 
meeting which would probably otherwise not have been afforded to 
them ; and who can say how many prejudices may not have been re- 
moved, asperities softened, and misunderstandings rectified, by the 
interchange of kindly sentiments thus brought about. 

Mr. Peabody's mercantile career has been crowned with great and 
eminent success ; still I am sure I may safely say that his highest title 
to consideration, and that which he himself most values, is that of a 
peacemaker. 

I cannot but refer, in terms of sincere satisfaction, to the cordial 
spirit of good will towards the people of England, and of respect for 
her Majesty the Queen, by which the proceedings of Thursday were 
so eminently marked, and which may be said to have given an almost 
international character to the celebration ; and I beg. Sir, that you will 
allow me, through you, to congratulate the citizens of Danvers upon 



92 

the entire success of the festivities prepared by them in honor of their 
distinguished fellow-townsman, the remembrance of which will doubt- 
less be cherislicd in his memory as amongst the most gratifying events 
of his life. 

I have the honor to be, dear sir. 

Your most obedient humble servant, 

EDMUND A. GRATTAN. 



[From Washington Irving.] 

SUNNYSIDE, Oct. 7th, 1856. 
To Messrs. A. A. Abbott, Fitch Poole, Eben Sutton, 

R. S. Daniels, and Geo. Osborne, Com. of Invitation — 
Gentlemen : 

It would give me great pleasure to accept the invitation with which 
the citizens of the Old Town cf Danvers have honored me, to attend 
the reception and dinner they propose to give to their worthy and dis- 
tinguished townsman, George Peabody, Esq., a gentleman to whom 
our whole country is deeply indebted for the generous and noble man- 
ner in which he has illustrated the American character. I regret, 
however, to say that my engagements and occupations are such at 
present as put it out of my power to absent myself from home. 
With great respect, Gentlemen, 

Your obliged and humble serv't, 

WASHINGTON IRVING. 



[From Charles A. Davis, Esq.] 

New York, 4th Oct., 1856. 
To the Committee of Danvers on tlie occasion of the Public 

lleecption of their fellow-townsman, George Peabody, Esq. — 
Gentlemen : 

As Chairman of the " E.xecutive Committee" here of a large body 
of our fellow-citizens, who united in an invitation to Mr. Peabody to a 
public dinner in this city, I have this day received your kind invitation 
to your micnded festival of gratitude on the 9th of this month, to wel- 
come the return to you, of your distinguished townsman. 

As this invitation seems intended for all who joined in the desire to 
manifest their high appreciation of Mr. Peabody on his arrival here, I 
am unable, for want of time, to communicate it personally or individ- 
ually to each, and can do no more (and I could hardly do less) than to 
give it publicity in our leading city papers. 

For myself, gentlemen, I beg to offer you my sincere thanks, and 
would ^vith pleasure and gratitude accept it and be with you in body, 
(as I shall be in spirit,) but engagements here prevent. 

We have read of late, gentlemen, of grand and gorgeous receptions 
of victors returning to their respective homes from the Crimea ; but 
you prove the truth of the adage that " peace has its victories as well 
as war." There are " Inkermans," " Redans," ana " Malakofis" of 
national prejudices and national enmities, quite as formidable as those 



93 

of frraiiitn and iron at Schastopol ; in demolishing; tlic foruicr, our hero 
has been as victorious as the most heroic of hero(!s wlio have triumphed 
over the latter. Honor then to George Peabody ! for tlie garland of 
victory he has won bears not a leaf of cypress to mar its beauty. 
Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

CHAS. AUG. DAVIS. 



[From Dr. Kane.] 
Gentlemen : 

I acknowledge, with my thanks, your invitation to join in the wel- 
come extended to Mr. Peabody by his native town. Nothing but abso- 
lute necessity, attendant upon my departure for England on Saturday, 
would prevent my being present, and I thank you for the opportunity 
which your letter affords me of expressing my liigh r('sp<c.t for your 
honored guest. 

I am. Gentlemen, very sincerely, 

Your obedient servant. 
New York, Oct. 7, 1856. E. K. KANE. 

Messrs. A. A. Abbott, Iv. S. Daniels, and others. 



[From Ex-Gov. Boutwell.] 

Stockbkidge, Oct, 8th, 1856. 
To Messieurs Fitch I'oolc, A. A. Abbott, 

Eben Sutton, R. S. Daniels, and George Osborne — 

Your invitation to be present at a public reception and dinner, to be 
given to your distinguished townsman and benefactor George Peabody, 
Esquire, reached me at this place, and I regret that it is not in my 
power to pay my respects in person to a man who is an honor to his 
country and age. 

This generation cannot fully appreciate the benign effects of Mr. 
Peabody's munificence, but his deeds and exami)le will never cease to 
exert an elevating and refining influence upon the civilization of Mas- 
sachusetts. 

I am, with sincere respect. 

Your obliged fcUow-citizon, 

GEO. S. BOUTWELL. 



[From Peter Cooper, Esq.] 

New York, Oct. 6, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

Your note of the 29th inst. is received, extending to me an invita- 
tion to unite with the citizens of Uanvcrs in a public reception of Geo. 
Peabody, Esq., on his return to his native town after an absence of 
more than twenty years. I thank you, gentlemen, for your kind invi- 
tation, and beg to assure you that it is with sincere regret that 1 iiave to 
reply that it will be out of my power to be with you on that occasion. 



94 

to manifest by my presence there the admiration and profound respect 
that I feel for one who has done so much to advance the honor and 
interest of his native country. No other American has done so much 
by his residence abroad to elevate the commercial character and credit 
of our country us he. His unbounded hospitality and acts of munifi- 
cence are known to all his countrymen, and it is peculiarly fitting that 
they should show to him, on his return among them, their gratitude for 
his services and hospitalities, andthe high admiration they entertain for 
his character and abilities. 

I am, (Jentlemen, very truly. 

Your obedient servant, 

PETER COOPER. 

To Fitch roolc, Esq., etc., Committee. 



[From Hon. R. C. Winthrop.] 

Boston, 7th Oct., 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

Few things would afford me greater pleasure than to witness the 
reception of Mr. Peabody, by the Old Town of Danvers, on Thursday 
next, and to unite with you in paying a deserved tribute of respect and 
gratitude to your distinguished townsman and benefactor. 

I thank you sincerely for the invitation with wliich you have honored 
me, and for the kind and complimentary words by which it has been 
seconded. A previous and imperative engagement, at a stated meeting 
of the Massachusetts Historical Society, on the same day, leaves me 
little hope of being able to join you until a late hour of the festival, and 
will perhaps deprive me of it altogether. But 1 am unwilling to forego 
the o[)portunity of expressing my deep sense of the services which Mr. 
Peabody has rendered not merely to his native place, by the noble In- 
stitute which he has established there, but to his whole country, and to 
the cause of peace and brotherly love throughout the world, by his 
large and liberal hospitality in London. 

It has never been my fortune to be present at any of those feasts of 
international good will which have given Mr. Peabody so enviable a 
distinction on both sides of the Atlantic, and which have become a sort 
of international institution. I have enjoyed no personal experience of 
the magic influence of that " loving cup." It seems, however, to have 
accomplished more in breaking down the barriers of reserve and dis- 
trust which have so long and so unfortunately separated Englishmen 
and Americans, than all the diplomacy of Washington or London. 

Once more let me unite with you, on paper, if I may not in person, 
in offering a cordial welcome to Mr. Peabody, on his temporary return 
to his native land, and in wishing for him a long and unbroken enjoy- 
ment of the health and wealth wliich he employs to such excellent and 
patriotic purposes. Massachusetts may well be proud to find herself 
represented in the great metropolis of the world by two such noble sons 
as Joshua Bates and George Peabody. Their names are inscribed 



95 

on kindred institutions, and their enlightened munificciice will receive 
a common homage in every Massachusetts or American heart. 
Believe me, Gentlemen, with great respect, 

Your obliged and obedient servant, 

ROBERT C. WINTHROP. 

To Fitch Poole, etc., Com. of Invitixtioii. 



[From James Lawrence, Esq.] 

Boston, 6th Oct., 1856. 
Gendemen : 

I regret that my engagements will not permit me to accept the 
invitation with which you have honored me to unite with the citizens of 
Danvers in extending a welcome to Mr. Peabody. I should rejoice in 
the opportunity of adding my humble tribute of gratitude and respect 
for one, whose intelligent munificence has done so much for his native 
town. The benefit of his gift is not conferred, however, upon Danvers 
alone. I consider it a cordial testimony and an efficient aid to the 
friends of Popular Education and Free Scliools throughout the world. 
I do not doubt that its results will equal the most sanguine hopes of its 
founder, and the best wishes of its friends. 

Allow me to subjoin a sentiment for your use, should an occasion 
offer for presenting it : 

Th.€ Pfdhochj Institute — May it flourish i)ereiinially, and l)c known, like tlio Endi- 
cott Pear tree, by its fruits — and may the memory of its founder, hke that of the 
First Governor, be cherished forever. 

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, 

Your obliged and obedient servant, 

JAMES LAWRENCE. 

To A. A. Abbott, etc., Committee. 



[From Hon. Stephen C. Phillips.] 

Salem, October 8, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

I regret that I cannot accept the invitation of the Committee, which 
you have done me the favor to send to me. I cannot conceive of a 
more agreeable and interesting occasion than the reception of I\Ir. Pea- 
body in the mode in which you propose to conduct it. As an affecting 
welcome to a long-absent citizen upon his return to the home of his 
childhood — as a fit tribute of the gratitude and respect of an enlightened 
and virtuous community to an eminent benefactor, and as a becoming 
exhibition of the character and spirit of those upon whom his benefac- 
tions have been bestowed, it constitutes a combination of attractions 
which is perhaps without a parallel ; and the impressions it must pro- 
duce and the lessons it will furnish cannot fail to exert a wide and last- 
ing moral influence of the most beneficial tendency. That it will 
serve to recommend the example of Mr. Peabody to some who are in 
a situation to imitate it, is one of the results which may be hoped for 



96 

and expected ; and that it will afford to him, in all its incidents and 
associations, the purest satisfaction, who can doubt who properly esti- 
mate his motives, and who consider what it is which makes a wise 
man happy in the review of a virtuous and useful life. 

As I thus contemplate the character of the occasion, 1 cannot but 
renew the expression of my regret that I must necessarily be absent: 
while I remain. 

Yours very truly, 
F. Foole, Esq. S. C. PHILLIPS. 



[From Hon. Nathan Appleton.] 

Boston, 7 Oct., 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation to 
the festival to be given George Peabody, Esq., on the Oth inst. at Dan- 
vers. Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to be present on 
that occasion, did the state of my health permit. 1 have shared in the 
hospitality of Mr. Peabody abroad, 'and have witnessed the liberality 
and patriotism with which he does honor to the character of an Ameri- 
can merchant. 1 therefore sincerely regret that 1 am obliged to deny 
myself the pleasure of accepting your invitation, and am, with great 
respect, Your obedient servant, 

N. APPLETON. 
Messrs. A. A. Abbott, 11. S. Daniels, Fitch Poole, 
Eben Sutton, Geo. Osborne, Committee. 



[From Geo. W. Porter, Esq.] 

Office Board of Trade, 
Gentlemen: Baltmiore, Oct. 12th, 1856. 

Your kind invitation to the President and Deputation from this 
Board to the dinner given at Danvers, on the 9th inst., in honor of the 
return of your distuiguished townsman and benefactor, Geo. Peabody, 
Esq., was duly received, and though it was not in the power of any to 
be present on the occasion, the Board is none the less thankful for your 
courtesy. 

Very respectfully, your obt. serv't, 

GEO. W. PORTER, Sec 
To II. S. Daniels, A. A. Abbott, Ebcn Sutton, 
Geo. Osborne, and F. Poole, Esqrs., S. Danvers. 



[From the Philadelphia Board of Trade.] 

Office of the Board of Trade, 

Philadelphia, Oct. 7th, 1856. 
S. S. Daniels and others, Committee of Invitation 

to Public Reception and Dinner to George Peabody, Esq. — 
Gcntl(!men : 

We have received your favor of the 29th ultimo, inviting us, as a 
deputation from the Board of Trade of this city, to be present at a 



97 

public reception and dinner, to be <i;ivcn in the old town of Danvcrs, 
on the 9th instant, to George Peabody, Esq. 

We should be most happy to join you in honoring a gentleman who 
has done so much, by his high character as a merciiant, and his "on- 
erous zeal for the honor and interests of his native country, to merit 
the respect and grateful regard of all Americans ; but the shortness of 
the time allowed us for the purpose, and previously existing enga<re- 
ments, will deprive us of that pleasure. Be pleased, however, to sub- 
mit to the meeting the following, as expressive of our sentiments : 

George Pcahody, Esq. — Distinguished in two hemispheres and honored in both, 
may he long enjoy tlie just rewards of a life whose proudest merit is the influence it 
has exerted in cultivating the mutual respect and strengthening the amicable rela- 
tions of Great Britain and America. 

Very truly your obedient servants, 

SAM'L V. MERRICK, 
SAMUEL C. MORTON, 
JOSEPH C. GRUBB, 
JAMES C. HAND, 
A. T. LEWIS, 
DAVID S. BROWN, 
THOMAS J. PERKINS, 

Com. of the Philad. Board of Trade. 



[From Hon. Josiah Gluincy, Jr.] 

Boston, 23 Oct., 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

I regret that absence from the State prevented my acknowledging 
at an earlier period the invitation, with which you honored me, to be 
present at the dinner given to your liberal and distinguished townsman 
George Peabody. In common with almost every American who has 
visited Europe, I feel deeply indebted to his hospitality, and it is a 
source of unfeigned regret that circumstances prevented my being 
present on that most interesting occasion, when he returned in \\'ealth 
and honor to the place he left as a poor and unfriended boy. 

Trustinjj you will pardon my apparent neglect in not replying at an 
earlier period to your invitation, 

I liave the honor to he, 

Your obliged friend and servant, 

JOSIAH QUINCY, Jr. 

R. S. Daniels, Esq., Ch'm Com. of Reception. 



[From the Rev. Mr. Bramai).] 

G£01»;etown, Oct, 7fh, 1856. 
To Fitcli Poole, Esq., and others — 
Gentlemen : 

Your kind letter, inviting me to be present at the public reception 
and dinner intended to be given to our worthy friend and countryman, 
7 



98 

George Peabody, Esq., of London, was duly received. I tliank you, 
gentlemen, for the honor you tlius conferred upon an aged man. It 
would give mo great pleasure to comply with your invitation, were I in 
the enjoyment of competent health and vigor, which I fear I am not. 
If Barzillai, the Gilcadiie, when only four score years old, could think 
himself excusable for not going uj) to Jerusalem with his king, whom 
he highly esteemed and loved, much more may one who is in his 
eio-hty-seventh year be excused from going to South Danvers 1 am 
not a spiritualist in the common acceptation of the word, but think my 
spirit will be with you on the proposed occasion. May you have a 
pleasant meeting, and do honor to your honorable guest. 

My prayer is, that the Literary Institution established by Mr. Pca- 
bodv in iiis native town may be so conducted and blessed as to pro- 
mote tlie Divine glory and the temporal and spiritual interests of many. 
Yours respectfully, 

ISAAC BRAMAN. 



[From Rev. I. W. Putnam.] 

MiDDLEBOKo', Oct. 7, 185G. 
To Messrs. Poole, Al)bott, Sutton, Daniels, 

iuid Osborne, Committee, &c. — 
Gentlemen : 

Please accept my thanks for the honor of an invitation to the din- 
fier to be given to our distinguished fellow-townsman, Mr. Peabody, 
now of London. 

I deeply regret that it is not in my power to participate in the festiv- 
ities of the occasion. But I rejoice that my beloved old native town 
])anvers has now, in the Providence of God, an oj)portunity duly to 
respect and honor a son, wliose life abroad has done so much to keep 
the two great Anglo-Saxon nations on terms of growing friendship with 
each other, and whose noble liberality has made such ample provisions 
for the mental and social improvement of the present and the future 
generations of his native town. 

llespectfully, your obedient servant, 

ISRAEL W. PUTNAM. 



[From Rev. T. P. Field.] 

New London, Ct., Oct. 6, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

It affords me much pleasure to accept your invitalion to the public 
reception and dinner to be giv(!n to George Peabody, Esq., of London, 
on the occasion of his visit to his natiVe place. 

I shall be glad to unite with the citizens of Danvers in their testimo- 
nials of respect for one who has contributed so liberally for the promo- 
tion of knowledge and morality in his native town, and by his benevo- 
lence and ])atriotism, and upright and honorable course as a merchant, 
has won such merited distinction for himself in England and America. 

While 1 was Pastor of a Church in Danvers, 1 often heard the name 



99 

of Mr. Pcabody spoken with sincere airoction by his ibrnier friends 
and acqiuiintanccs, and I learned to tliink of liim ;is a man of a nobhj 
and generous spirit, befon^ it had been manifested as niunificentiv as it 
has since been, in the endowment of the Peabody Institute. 

I left Danvers at too early a period to derive any personal bcnefi: 

from this benefaction, but I can cono;ratulafe the clergy no less than the 

laity of the town on the additional means thus furnished them for that 

mental culture so essential to the successful prosecution of their work. 

Very respectfully yours, 

THOS. P. FIELD. 

(iCO. Osborne, Eben Sutton, and others, Com. of Inv. 



[From Rev. C. C. Sewall.J 

Medfield, October 9, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

I return my sincercst acknowledgments for the invitation you have 
done me the honor to tender to me, to join with tlie citizens of old 
Danvers in the expression of their gratitude and respect to their distin- 
guished townsman and benefoctor, George Peabody, Esq., of London. 
I regret that the lateness of its reception precluded the possibility of 
setting aside engagements which demanded my attention to-day, and 
that I could not participate in the pleasures of the occasion. 

I am not, as you are aware, a native, nor a citizen of old Danvers. 
But you will believe me, gentlemen, there are hallowed associations 
and remembrances binding me strongly to the place in which it was 
my privilege, for many years, to claim my home, and which will never 
permit me to be indifferent to anything ailocling the name and the in- 
terests of Danvers. I would, therefore, join most heartily with you 
and your fellow-citizens, in paying the tribute so justly due to him, 
whose liberality and considerate regard for the place of his nativity 
has opened, to the present and future generations of her citizens, a 
mine of immeasurable wealth in the means of intellectual and moral 
culture and improvement provided for them. From my heart would I 
give honor to the man of wealth, who, believing " there is that scatlcr- 
eth and yet increaseth," enlarges his wealth by dividing it, for the best 
interests of humanity, by providing for the elevation and happiness of 
his race. He invests his property in those enduring treasures which 
an Almighty arm will protect, and whose continually enlarging gains 
shall be realized and enjoyed in Heaven. 

May they, whose privilege it is to enjoy the benefit of your towns- 
man's wisdom and liberality, b(; faithful to preserve; and improve that 
privilege ! 

With sentiments of the highest regard for yourselves personally, and 
for the citizens of old Danvers whom you represent, 
I am, Gentlemen, yours truly, 

CHAUi.ES C. SEWALL. 
Messrs. R. S. Daniels, G. Osborne, A. A. 

Abbott, E. Sutton, F. Poole, Com. of Inv. 



100 
[From the Rev. J. W. Hanson.] 

Messrs. R. S. Daniels, Geo. Osl)orne, A. A. Al)l)ott, 

Fitch Poole, Eben Sutton, Committee, &c. — 
Gentlemen : 

You cannot tell how sorry I am that your invitation to attend your 
delightful festival did not reach me — owing to my absence from home — 
until it was too late. I should, by all means, have endeavored to be 
with vou. Although I was but a temporary sojourner in your noble 
town, "and not a native, the many friendships I formed there, and the 
fact that during my residence I became your historian, in a liumble 
way, and my great respect for your distinguished guest, would have 
drawn me thither had it been possible. I am heartily glad tb know 
that the occasion passed off so pleasantly, and trust that great prosperity 
may ever attend the town, all parts of it : Walquack, Brooksby, the 
Neck, the Plains, the South Parish, even to the Dishful. May hemlock 
bark be plenty, and onions ever prolific, and witches evermore un- 
known. And should perilous times ever visit our country, may your 
citizens emulate their sires in defending her. 

Sincerely vours, 
Gardiner, CM. 13, 185(). " J. W. HANSON. 



[From Rev. Dr. Bigelow.] 

Boston, October 9th, 1856. 
To Messrs. 1!. S. D.uiicls, Geo. Osliorne, and others, Com. — 
Gentlemen : 

I thank you heartily for the invitation with which you liave hon- 
ored me to join you and the cltJzens at large of the good " Old Town 
of Danvers," in the public reception proposed to be given this day to 
your " distinguished townsman and benefactor" George Peabody, Esq., 
of London. 

It woiHd be extremely gratifying to me to unite with you in the testi- 
monials of respect and gratitude to be offered to a gentleman so richly 
deserving the ovation designed, and all the joyful gratulations with 
which it will be accompanied, on his return for a temporary visit, after 
so long absence, to his native place ; — a gentleman worthy of all honor 
for his eminent personal merits, and entitled to the grateful estimation 
of the community for his generous hospitalities so often profusely dis- 
pensed, and many other benevolent offices rendered to his countrymen ; 
and still more, for his simple yet noble bearing, and the weight and 
dignity which he has lent to the American name and character in tlie 
conspicuous position (though a private one) which he has so long occu- 
pied in the World's Commercial I\Tetropolis. 

But the pleasure which 1 should experience in meeting you and your 
distinguished guest, on an occasion of such marked interest, is precluded 
to me by providential causes which constrain my absence. 

With assurances, nevertheless, of my warmest sympathies, and re- 
newed acknowledgments for your kindly remembrance, 
I remain, Gentlemen, very respectfully. 

Your obliged servant, 

ANDREW BIGELOW. 



101 

[The following is extracted from a letter recently received 
from Rev. Dr. Pierpont, under date of November 17th.] 

I am glad of having now tlie opportmiity to say, what I am sure 
every man present will join me in saying, — that tiie day, iho whole 
day, — was to me one of the pleasantest that I have ever enjoyed. 
Nowhere but in New England, — may I not without offence say no- 
where but in Massachusetts, — could there have been made such an 
exhibition as was enjoyed in Danvers on the day of the Peabody festi- 
val. The heavens themselves seemed to enjoy it and sympathize with 
the vast crowd there assembled, — and assembled for what.? — not for 
the coronation of a new king — not for the inauguration of a new presi- 
dent — not to shout around the triumphal car of a victorious genera! 
returning to his country's capital with conquered princes chained to his 
chariot wheels — not even for the purpose of discussing a great political 
question or a good dinner, — but simply to see the face of a man who 
had used his large means in doing great good to his native townsmen, 
and to see the demonstrations of their gratitude for it. And who, that 
saw the spectacle, could doubt the gratitude ! Was there a cloudy or 
a vinegar-looking face in Uanvers that day ? I saw not one, and yet I 
saw a great many faces while I was there. In riding, as by the kind 
attentions of the committee to one somewhat stricken in years I was 
invited to do, along the ranks of the children belonging to the Danvers 
schools, admiring the neat uniforms of the boys and girls, their ever- 
green garlands and chaplets of flowers, and, better still, their sunshinv 
faces ! why, my dear sir, to confess my weakness, I had to out hand- 
kerchief. Well, I couldn't help it — though I hope tlie gentlemen, who 
rode in the same carriage with me, didn't observe it, as they might 
have thought it a proof of the reverend gentleman's early dotage. And 
when I heard the shouts of those children as Mr. Peabody's carriage 
passed along their ranks, I could not but think of " tlie children crying 
in the temple and saying, Ilosanna to the son of David ! " I suppose 
that like Peter on a certain occasion, I very probably " wist not what 
I said," yet I do remember saying to the gentlemen with me, " Well, 
generous as Mr. Peabody has been to Danvers, I think he will say in 
his heart that he has received to-day his money's worth." 

Would to God that all rich men knew as well as (leorgc Peabody 
how to invest a good portion of their abundant wealth. 
I am, sir, very respectfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

JOHN PIERPONT. 
To Mr. Fitch Poole, for the Committee, &c. 



[From Rev. John Pike.] 

Rowley, Oct. 6, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

Your complimentary invitation is this morning received. Mr. 
Pike is but slightly relieved now of typhus fever. I communicated 
your note to him. lie wishes me to say, that one of the saddest accom- 



102 

oaniments of his sickness is, that he cannot share in your expected 
festivities. 

Danvcrs has rapidly gone before her sister towns and villages in ma- 
terial prosi)erity. But let her triumph most of all that she has given 
birth to a man so deservedly honored and loved, in both the new and 
the old world. They may yet outstrip her in wealth and industry, 
but probably ihcy will never be able to speak of sons, whose skill in 
acquiring this world's goods is only equalled by a discriminate and 
•large benevolence in bestowing them. May God long spare your dis- 
tinguished guest to execute well his earthly stewardship. And may 
you by his benefactions be made as remarkable for your knowledge, 
as your own industry has made you distinguished for outward pros- 
perity. 1 am, gentlemen, very respectfully yours, 

Deborah S, Pike, 
In behalf of her husband, 

JOHN PIKE. 

Messrs. A. A. Abbott, Fitch Poole, and others, 
Committee of Invitation to the Pcabodv Celcbvation. 



[From William Gushing, Esq.] 

Newburyport, Oct. 7th, 1856. 
Messrs. R. S. Daniels, A. A. Abbott, Ebcn Sutton, 

George Osborne, and Fitcli Poole, Esqrs. — 
• Jentlemen : 

Your favor of the 29th ult., inviting Aldermen Flills and Williams, 
with myself, to visit Danvers the 9th inst., on the occasion of the re- 
ception and dinner to George Peabody, Esq., of London, was handed 
me tlic evening of the 4lh inst. on my return from the South. 

If my other engagements will permit, I shall be most happy to join 
with you on that interesting occasion. At lea.st, 1 shall endeavor to 
pass an hour or two with you and pay my respects to your distinguished 
townsman. 

Messrs. n. and W. unite with me in thanking you for this kind invi- 
tation, and they will, if possible, visit you on that day. 
Very truly, vour obt. servt, 

WILLIAM GUSHING, 



[From Edward S. Rand, Esq.] 

Newburyport, Oct. 6, 185G. 
Gentlemen : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of in- 
vitation to the dinner to be given by tlie citizens of the old town of 
Danvcrs, on the occasion of the visit to his native town, of (^eorge 
Peabody, Esq., and I beg to assure you of the pleasure it will give me 
to be present on so interesting an occasion. 

I am, very truly and r(!spcctfully. 

Your obedient servant, 

EDWARD S. RAND. 
To R. S. Daniels, George Osborne, Fiteh Poole, 
A. A. Abbott and Eben Sutton, Esqrs., Committee. 



103 

[From N. I. Bowditch, Esq.] 

' Boston, Oct. 9, 1850. 

Gentlemen : 

It was only through the newspapers of to-day that I accidentally 
learned the fact that you had done me tlie honor of extendin"- to tne 
an invitation. 

As a native of Esse.x County, and especially as a son of one whose 
early childhood was spent in Danvers, 1 should have been much grati- 
fied to have been present at the public reception given to your distin- 
guished townsman, — your guest of to-day, — his name will be a house- 
hold word among your children's children. His splendid hospitalities 
in a distant land, and his wise munificence at home, have endeared 
him alike to his birthplace and to the nation. 

Yours respcctfullv, 

N. I. BOWDITCH. 

Hon. A. A. Al)l)Ot, &c'., Committee. 



[From George Peabody, Esq., of Salem.] 

. Messrs. George Osliorne and otlicrs, Committee. — 
Gentlemen : 

I regret extremely that it will not be in my power to accept your 
polite invitation to the dinner to be given to Mr. Peabody, — being most 
unexpectedly obliged to embark for Europe. 

I cordially sympathize with you in the sentiments of respect and 
gratitude which you feel for the man who has done so much to render 
the American name respected abroad, and whose attachment to the 
home of his childhood has been so signally manifested by wise acts of 
beneficence. 

Gratitude is said not to be a virtue of republics ; b\)t I am sure that 
the spontaneous homage rendered to Mr. Peabody by the citizens of 
Danvers, will show conclusively that the accusation has no foundation 
in our community. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

GEORGE PEABODY. 



[From Hon. Asahel Huntington.] 

Salem, Oct. 4, 1856. 
Messrs. A. A. Abbott, F. Poole, E. Sutton, 

II. S. Daniels, Counnittec of Invitation, &c. — 
Gentlemen : 

Any invitation coming in behalf of the old town of Danv(M-s would 
be entitled to the most respectful consideration, and to a reaily and 
cordial response ; but when it is proposed to do honor to a distinguished 
son of theirs, — to one who has refiected the highest credit on his coun- 
try, as well as on the place of liis nativity, — your invitation is clothed 
with a weight of authority, wliich it would be quite difiicult to resist. 1 
shall be most happy to" unite with your fellow-citizens, in paying a 
hearty tribute of respect to Mr. Peabody, who may well be regarded 



104 

as a public benefactor, — a friend of lus race and generation, — not for- 
getting tfie " future generations," — and tlicrefore himself well worthy 
of all manner of public regard and respect. 

Yours, very respectfully, 

A. HUNTINGTON. 



[From Joseph Peabody, Esq.] 

Nkw York, Oct. 4th, 1856. 

Messrs. AMiott, Poole iind others, 

Committee of Invitation, &c. — 
Gentlemen : 

I am greatly obliged by your courteous invitation (just received) 
to the reception and dinner to be given by yourselves and fellow-citi- 
zens to our mutual friend, Mr. George Peabody, of London. 

I shall have great pleasure in being present on an occasion so full 
of interest to all of us. 

Again renewing my thanks for your kindness in thinking of me, I 
remain, 

Very respectfully and truly yours, 

JOSEPH PEABODY. • 



[From John W. Proctor, Esq.] 

South Danvers, Sept. 4th, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your invitation to 
be present on the 9th inst., and unite with my fellow-citizens of the 
" old town of Danvers," in an expression of gratitude and respect to 
our " distinguished townsman and benefactor, George Peabody, Esq., 
of London." 

Be assured, gentlemen, that your efforts to honor him who has so 
greatly benefited us, in his wise provision for the diffusion of knowl- 
edge and virtue among us, has my most hearty approbation. 
I accept your invitation. 

Truly, your obedient servant, 

JOHN W. PROCTOR. 

To K. S. Daniels, Eben Sutton, Geo. Osborne, A. A. 
Abbott, Fitch I'oole, Esqrs., Conunittee of Invitation. 



[From Samuel Peabody, Esq.] 

Andover, Oct. 7, 1856. 
To A. A. Abbott, Fitch Poole, Eben Sutton, 

11. S. Daniels, and Gcor<;e Osborne, Esqrs. 
Gentlemen : 

Your polite note of the 29th ult. is received. I shall certainly 
give myself the pleasure to wait on you and attend the dinner, unless 
prevented by want of health. 

You will allow the Peabody Family to be proud of this well merited 



105 

honor, so freely and conlially conferred on their most distinguished 
son. This is not the cold heartless compliment of an individual, but 
the warm gush of gratitude of hundreds. 

Your obechent servant, 

SAMUEL PEAHODY. 



[From Dr. Ricliard Spollbrd.] 

Newburyport, Oct. 7th, 1856. 

A. A. Abbott, Esq.— 
Dear Sir : 

Allow me to congratulate you on the anticipated visit of your dis- 
tinguished townsman, and our distinguished countryman, George Pea- 
body, Esq., of London. 

I regret extremely that my health will not permit me to be present 
on this happy occasion. That I must decline the honor of uniting with 
his fellow-townsmen, in their "expression of gratitude and respect." 
Yours, very respectfully, 

R. S. SPOFFORD. 
N. B. — Should sentiments be offered at the dinner, allow me to say : 

George Peabod;/, Esq., of London — An honor and an ornament both to England 
and America. 



[From Jeremiah Spoflbrd, Esq.] 

Groveland, Oct. 6, 1856. 
Gentlemen : 

I received your kind invitation to the reception of my old friend, 
Mr. Peabody, and shall attend Deo volente. . 

My acquaintance and frequent visits with that family arc among the 
most pleasing reminiscences of my boyhood and youth. I have the 
most vivid recollection of most of the localities of your neighborhood ; 
derived more particularly from my rambles with his elder brother, — 
often accompanied by the young brother, — now your honored guest. 
With great respect, vours, 

.JEREMIAH SPOFFORD. 

Messrs. Abbott, Poole, Sutton, Daniels and Osborne. 



[From Samuel Lawrence, Esq.] 

Boston, Oct. 8th, 1856. 
Ebcn Sutton, Esq.. Danvers — 
My Dear Sir : 

Will you oblige me by saying to your Committee that their kmd 
invitation to participate with the citizens of Danvers to-morrow, in doing 
honor to one of her noblest sons, whom I claim as a personal friend of 
many many years, I am obliged to decline, in consequence of the death 
of a sister-in-law yesterday. My heart will he with you, and I remain. 
Your obt. servt. and friend, 

SAMUEL LAWRENCE. 



106 

[From Commodore Stringham.] 

Com. Stringham presents his compliments to llic citizens of tlie 
" Old Town of Danvers " for the kind invitation extended liim through 
their Committee, to unite with them in tlio public demonstrations in 
honor of George Peabody, E^q-i on the 9th inst., but is compelled, 
from other engagements, to deprive Iiimself of the pleasure. 

His best wishes attend you, gentlemen, in your endeavors to express 
the regard and esteem due to a generous benefactor and worthy man. 

Navy Yard, Boston, Oct. 6, 1856. 
Messrs. A. A. Al)bott, and others, Committee of Invitation. 



[From Hon. Daniel A. White ] 

Salem, Oct. 8, 1856. 
Messrs. A. A. Abbott, Fitch Poole, 

Kben Sutton, R. S. Daniels, Geo. Osborne — 
Gentlemen : 

I regret that absence from Salem for the last five days has pre- 
vented an earlier acknowledgment of your kind invitation to join with 
the citizens of the " Old Town of Danvers," in their " public recep- 
tion and dinner proposed to be given to their distinguished townsman 
and benefactor, George Peabody, Esq"." 

I thank you heartily for the honor of this invitation, and gladly ac- 
cept it in the hope of being present, to-morrow, and of enjoying, as 
heretofore, the high gratification of uniting my sympathies with those of 
the good people of Danvers, in honoring a benefactor, who is entitled 
to all honor, — whose early life was known to me, and whose noble vir- 
tues have inspired me with sincere respect. 

1 am, very respectfully, yours. 

D. A. WHITE. 



[From Hon. John G. King.] 
My Dear Sir : Salem, Oct. 9th, 1856. 

I have delayed answering the kind invitation of your Committee, to 
assist with the people of the old town of Danvers, on the occasion of 
the reception of their "distinguished townsman and benefactor, George 
Peabody, Esq., of London," in the hope that I might make such a dis- 
position of my engagements for that day as would enable me to be pres- 
ent. But now, at the last hour, finding this to be impossible, I beg to 
acknowledge the honor done me by this attention, and to express "my 
disappointment that I cannot testify my high respect for your honored 
guest, and my regard for my friends and neighbors, by accepting your 
invitation. If there is anything in the course of the events of common 
life more worthy of respect and reverence than the spectacle this day 
exhibited in your ancient town, I know not when and where it is to be 
found. 'A man, who has attained the very pinnacle of wealth and suc- 
cess in life by his industry, integrity, enterprise, and self-reliance, re- 
membering by wise and munificent benefactions the place of his birth, 
returning to it after a long absence with unabated love of his native 
soil and the scenes of his early days, and the whole people, from ex- 



107 

tronio old age to the very verge of infancy, uniting in a grateful tribute 
to his character, and acknowledgment of the blessings lie has so disin- 
terestedly and bountifully conferred upon them ! Benefactions, too, 
not only relieving the wants of the needy, but liberally providing for 
the education of the young, and for the diffusion among them of all 
necessary helps to establish truth, knowledge and liberty in their com- 
munity forever. 

For such disinterested and thoughtful beneficence, for the eminently 
wise arrangements by which you have carried the views of your noble 
townsman into successful operation, and for such general and heartfelt 
gratitude as to-day pervades your ancient town, I have no words to 
express my respect and admiration. 

I am, dear sir, truly and respectfully yours, 

JOHN G. KING. 

Fitch Toole, Es(]., 
of the Committee of Invitation, &c. &(•., S. Danvers. 



[from Samuel Frothingham, Jr., Esq.] 
Gentlemen : 

Accept my acknowledgment for the honor of your invitation to 
the complimentary dinner to be given to George Peabody, Esq., by the 
citizens ot Danvers, on the 9th inst. ; and the assurance of my deep 
regret that engagements of an imperative character will preclude my 
participating with you in the pleasure of so interesting an occasion. 
Very respectfully, your obt. servt., 

S. FROTHINGHAM, Jr. 

To lion. II. S. Daniels, George Osborne, 
A. A. Abbott, Ehen Sutton, Fitch PooIc. 



[From W. W. Corcoran, Esq.] 

Gentlemen : Philadelphia, Oct. 7lh, 1856. 

Your kind invitation of the 29th ult. only reached me here to-day, 
too late for me t(j arrange to be present at the very interesting reception 
of our esteemed friend, Mr. Peabody, in his native town. 

Allow me to thank you for the honor you have done me, and to ex- 
press my sincere regret at not being able to be \vith you. 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

W. W. CORCORAN. 

To F. I'oole, Esq., and others, Committee. 



[From Alexander Duncan, Esq.] 
Dear Sir: Philadelphia, Oct. 7, 1856. 

I regret much that my attendance here, at the General Convention 
of the Protestant Episcopal Church, as a delegate, must deprive me of 
the pleasure of accepting your very kind invitation to meet my friend, 
Mr. George Peabody, at his native place. 

With resi)ect, your obt. servt., 

ALEX. DUNCAN. 



108 

[From Hon. George Bancroft.] 

New York, October 4, 1856. 
My Dear Sir : 

I liave received your invitation to bo present at your festival of 
next week, and regret most sincerely, tiiat my engagements prevent 
mv going so far from Iiome at this time. Tiie eulogist of a very dis- 
tinguislied American, who like your guest passed most of his life in 
Europe, was able to say of him, that dying he remembered his birth- 
place. Our friend has done better ; he lias given proof that in all his 
absence he has preserved " his heart untravelled ;" and during his life- 
time he wisely connects himself by grateful deeds with the home of his 
boyhood. I should be very glad to join with you in bidding him cor- 
dially welcome on his return. 

I am ever, dear sir, very truly yours, 
Fitch Poole, Esq. GEORGE BANCROFT. 



[From Hon. Henry Barnard.] 

Boston, Oct. 8th, 1856. 
To Fitch Poole, Esq., and others — 

I beg to acknowledge the honor of your invitation sent to me at 
Hartford and renewed through Mr. Blake, to attend the public recep- 
tion which the towns of Danvers and South Danvers, by a unanimous 
vote, propose to give to George Peabody, of London, in consideration 
of his high commercial character, his truly national services to the 
mercantile credit of his country in times of pecuniary wreck and disas- 
ter, and his many acts of public spirit and philanthropy towards his 
native place during his long residence abroad. 

Although not partial to fetes of any kind, or to ovations to the living 
for any degree of merit, I shall be happy to witness and join in the 
popular demonstration of respect and gratitude, so seldom bestowed 
save on the successful politician and military chieftain, — towards one 
who wears the honors of great wealth so meekly, and employs it on 
such large objects of patriotism, humanity, science and education. 
But whether I am with you in person or not, be assured I shall be with 
you and your towns-people in spirit to-morrow, — happy in an oppor- 
tunity to express my acknowledgments for many personal attentions 
extended to me while sojourning in London. My thanks for the 
exaltation which he, a poor boy of Danvers, has given to the character 
of the American merchant, not so much by his eminent success ac- 
quired by sagacity, probity, and diligence, but for retaining his home- 
bred partialities in foreign lands, and at the same time usmg his great 
opportunities to bind two great countries in the bonds of social inter- 
course ; and, more than all, my thanks, as an humble laborer in the field 
of popular education, for his munificent endowment to promote the 
cause of morality and learning, by books and lectures, and to encourage 
scholarship and good behavior in the public schools in his native town. 
With great respect, your obedient servant, 

H. BARNARD. 




< " 



109 



The shades of evening were now fast hastening on, and the 
company felt obliged to separate. Mr. Peabody and his friends 
were escorted from the Pavilion by the military company to 
the residence of the President of the day, a!id many of the 
guests, from a distance, left town in the evening trains. 



THE EVENING LEVEES. 

The great public Levee at the Hall of the Peabody Insti- 
tute was attended by crowded throngs of our citizens, who 
were eager to obtain an introduction to Mr. Peabody and offer 
him their congratulations. The ease and courtesy with which 
he received such numbers of people, taking each one by the 
hand as they passed him, was a subject of common remark. 
To most he had an appropriate word to say, and frequently, 
as a familiar name occurred, he would recall incidents of his 
youth, connected with families and localities, which showed a 
most accurate and retentive memory. He was especially at- 
tentive to the children presented to him, making familiar 
inquiries as to the particular school they attended, their part in 
the procession, with sometimes a word of counsel. 

As soon as the pressure was relieved, and the curiosity of 
the people in a measure gratified, Mr. Peabody retired from 
the Hall and attended another Levee at the residence of Mr. 
Daniels, whose guest he was during his present visit. Here a 
large company had assembled to pay their respects to Mr. 
Peabody, and partake of the hospitality of his host. 

At the same hour the hospitable and elegant mansion of Gen. 
Sutton, the Chief Marshal of the day, was thrown open, and 
thronged with numerous guests. The Governor and suite were 
there, and a fine band of martial music in attendance. Here, 
also, Mr. Peabody appeared late in the evening, to the great 
gratification of the company assembled. He must have been 
greatly fatigued from the exertion and excitements of the day, 
but he appeared in fine spirits, receiving his friends with the 



no 

same courtesy and attention as if it were but an ordinary 
occasion. 

This was a brilliant and graceful conclusion of a day, de- 
lightful iu itself, iuteresting in its events, and unexpectedly 
successful in its results. 



THE NEXT DAY. 

Mr. Peabody appeared iu our streets the next morning, ap- 
parently as fresh and vigorous as usual. He "made personal 
inquiry and observation of all matters relating to the Institute, 
examining the Treasurer's books, and the books and forms used 
in the management of the Library. While in the Library 
Room be entered his name as an applicant for books, having 
complied with the regulations, by obtaining a cerlijicafe of 
reconwiendation from one of the Board of Reference. 

He expressed great satisfaction with all the proceedings of 
the Town, the Trustees, and the Committee ; declared his con- 
tinued interest in the success of the Institute, and his intention 
to sustain it. He said he was not only pleased with its man- 
agement, but proud of its high position and successful results. 

He passed the remainder of the day in company with his 
sisters in visiting the " homes and haunts" and friends of his 
early youth. At about five o'clock in the afternoon they took 
their departure for Georgetown, the place of residence of one 
of his sisters. As they passed through Danvers a large crowd 
was gathered in the square, near the Village Bank, expecting 
his approach. He met their congratulations by bowing to the 
people on either side, until his progress was arrested by a chain 
of little children, who had joined hands and thus stopped his 
carriage. The people then thronged about him, eager to grasp 
his willing hand, after which he arose in his carriage and ex- 
pressed his pleasure at the agreeable device by which he had 
been waylaid on his journey, and publicly thanked the citizens 
for this gratifying interview, and the more public honors he 
had received, which, he said, were far more than he could 



Ill 

have anticipated, and which would ever be remembered and 
cherished in his heart, lie then l)ado tlie people farewell and 
drove away, wliile cheer upon cheer went up from the people, 
and followed him until out of hearing. 

Another pleasant incident occurred at this locality, which, 
although not immediately connected with our celebration, yet, 
as it grew out of it, we will narrate. 

On Friday morning, Governor Gardner, accompanied by 
Gen. Sutton, of whom he was a guest, proceeded to North 
Danvers, to view the decorations which adorned the route over 
which Mr. Peabody passed the day before. He was stopped 
near the Village Bank Building, on the steps of which, Rev. 
A. P. Putnam, of Roxbury, now visiting his native ])Iace, ad- 
dressed him a few pertinent words of welcome, which Gov- 
ernor Gardner responded to, according to the Boston Journal, 
substantially as follows : — 

'• He said it was a great pleasure to him to meet the citizens 
of Danvers at such a time, and in such a way. He should not 
regret that he acceded to the proposal of his esteemed friend. 
(Gen. Sutton,) and from his hospitable mansion took this morn- 
ing ride to the flourishing village of Danvers. Everywhere as 
he rode along he saw unmistakable proofs of an industrious 
and energetic population — proof that the worthy men of the 
past were not succeeded by an unworthy posterity. His mind 
could not but dwell upon the scene of yesterday. That was a 
glorious occasion. That was an ovation which, in all its de- 
tails, none but a New England town could carry through so 
successfully. It was a noble tribute to the worth of a noble 
man. Should the opportunity be afforded him, he should 
gladly embrace it to visit Danvers again, when he would tarry 
longer, and form a fuller acquaintance with her people." 

At the conclusion of the Governor's remarks, crowds came 
forward to shake him by the hand, after which he was con- 
ducted over the bank building by Wm. L. Weston, Esq., the 
Cashier, after which a few more pleasant remarks were ex- 
changed between the guest and the people. 



112 



CONCLUSION. 

Iti concluding tliis narrative of the events of a day, long to 
be remembered as one of the most illustrious in our local his- 
tory, we may be indulged in the expression of an honest pride 
in the success which has attended our efforts to do honor to 
'our Gnest. Tn this, our aim, we feel that all our arrangements 
have been wisely conceived, and most happily carried out. It 
is and always will be a source of pleasant contemplation to our 
citizens to dwell upon its various particular incidents and its 
beauty as a whole. 

Its successful results in the main objects for which it was 
undertaken — the rendering of honor where honor was preem- 
inently due, the enlargement of mind to which it gave rise, 
the feelings of amity and good will it called forth, the delight 
it afforded to the thousands who flocked to behold it, the 
thankfulness and gratitude it inspired, — all these are practical 
benefits, growing out of the scenes of that red-letter day in our 
calendar, which far surpass in value any pecuniary cost by 
which they have been secured. 

It is with a view to perpetuate the remembrance of the 
events of the festival in the minds of those who were so fortu- 
nate as to be participators, and to give information to those 
who, although absent, yet feel an interest in our town, or in 
its honored guest, that they have been here chronicled. Nor 
is this all. We wish these Memorials to exist as annals in our 
history, for the benefit of our children and generations yet un- 
born. We wish this record to remain as part of the history of 
that Institution which is now doing so much, and which is 
destined in all coming time to do more, for the promotion of 
useful knowledge and sound morality. We wish to cherish 
in perpetual remembrance the benevolent deeds of its founder, 
and hold up his example for the imitation of others. We wish 
sacredly to preserve his precious words addressed to our chil- 
dren, that they may be the guide of successive generations as 
they come on the stage of action. 



113 

III presenting a narrative of passing events we have called 
in the aid of the artist's ])cncil to fix more permanently the 
scene on the memory of those who were present, and to gratify 
the laudable curiosity which may be excited in those who were 
absent. These pictorial representations add much to the per- 
manent value of the book, and its readers will be likely to 
regard them with feelings somewhat akin to those inspired by 
the skilfully-portrayed lineaments of a valued friend, delight- 
ing equally from the faithfulness of the picture and the pleas- 
ing remembrances it calls into exercise. 

Another source of gratification, if not of self-gratulation, to 
our people, is the unanimous and enthusiastic expression of 
satisfaction and delight with which our demonstration was 
regarded by the numerous strangers who honored the occasion 
by their presence. From all directions come congratulations 
and praise. Old Danvers is commended as much for her pub- 
lic spirit, her good taste, her hospitality, and her graceful ex- 
pression of gratitude to her benefactor as for her early patriot- 
ism and interesting historical associations. As her citizens go 
abroad they are met by what they regard as most extravagant 
compliments on their artistic taste and aptness for display. 

We have annexed to this account some of these compli- 
mentary remarks, from several newspapers, which were repre- 
sented here either by their editors, reporters or corres};ondents. 
Notwithstanding their seeming excess of eulogistic commen- 
dation, we can find no reason for doubting the sincerity of the 
writers. We therefore see no impropriety in placing them on 
record as part of the cotemporaneous history of the times. 

Nor are we governed wholly by selfish considerations in 
thus giving to the world a narrative detailing with minuteness 
the brilliant success of our endeavors. It is due, not only to 
ourselves, but to our eminent and distinguished townsman, 
that this record should be preserved. lie was the object and 
occasion of our demonstrations of joy. To him we owe, more 
than to any wisdom exerted in devising our plans, the gratify- 
ing results of the day. His extended fame brought to our 
banquet the great and the learned of our land. Their presence 
8 



114 

gave character to our festival, and quickened and animated 
our people in their preparations. Our gratitude to liim should 
therefore prompt us to place in an enduring form the results of 
our attempt to give it expression. 

The extended notoriety which has been given to this ova- 
tion has incidentally resulted, by the numbers of strangers who 
assembled here, in making more widely known our business 
operations and capabilities. To many persons abroad our 
town has occupied quite a secondary position, considered in its 
business relations, partly on account of its situation as the sub- 
urb of a neighboring city, and partly from the quiet and unob- 
trusive maimer with which its principal business is conducted. 
Intelligent men from a distance, who for the first time have 
been personal observers of the signs of thrift in our business 
villages, have expressed themselves most happily disappointed 
to find such unmistakable evidences of extended business 
transactions. 

We are assured that this feeling of surprise was shared by 
him whose good opinion we value above all others, to find 
such proofs of enlargement and improvement so far beyond 
his highest expectations. He had heard much of our increase 
in population and wealth, and of improvements in external 
appearance, but he confessed that the changes had been far 
greater than his largest expectations had pictured. 

There is another object of this publication, which will not 
be effected without giving some particular account of the 
origin and history of the noble Institution which is planted in 
our midst. We therefore append a sketch of its history as a 
proper prelude to an account of the ceremonies which took 
place at the laying of the corner-stone of the edifice, and the 
exercises at its consecration to its appropriate uses. These 
occasions, as well as the one which it has been the principal 
object of these pages to delineate, are very important chapters 
in its history. They not only illustrate, in a graceful and 
happy manner, the origin, design, and end of the Institution 
itself, but add new brightness to the halo of light which encir- 
cles tlie name of its benevolent Founder. 



r 




cy 






■JD 



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115 

the: press. 

[From the Boston Evening Transiript of October 9.] 
GEORGE FEABODY, ESQ. 

Two of the most enterprising and beautiful towns in this Commori- 
wealth to-day present a rare and suggestive spectacle. The pl;ices ;. 
few years ago were divided, but to-day they are again united as oi 
old, in an expression of gratitude and respect to a native son. He re- 
turns after an absence of more than twenty years to visit his relatives 
and the scenes of his youth, and to note the rapid progress of his native 
State, and the prosperity of his country. The merchants of the four 
great seats of American commerce have invited him to be their guest, 
and to receive such testimonials of public regard and consideration as 
are rarely given to a private citizen. These flattering marks of respect 
from the leading merchants have been declined, and the business of a 
formal public welcome is reserved for the people of the old town of 
Danvers. They duly appreciate this honor and privilege, and the ser- 
vices of this day will show that it has fallen upon those who will make 
theoccasion a memorable one. In order to give as full an account of 
the reception as possible, we omit several articles intended for insertion 
to-day, and present our readers with an extended report of the details 
of the celebration. 

George Peabody was born in Danvers, February 18th, 171)5. For 
two centuries his family have been influential residents in Essex Coun- 
ty, and nearly all the Peabodys in the country have descended from 
the first settler of the name, who arrived in Topsfield, near Danvers, in 
1657. In May, 1807, Mr. Peabody, then a lad only eleven years of 
age, was placed in a grocery store, where he remained about four 
years. In April, 1811, he went as clerk with his brother David, who 
kept a dry-goods store in Newburyport. The great fire in that town 
the same year, destroyed the store of the brother, who failed in conse- 
quence of the loss, and the sudden death of his father, at about the same 
time, deprived him of a home. Thus, at the age of sixteen years, Mf. 
Peabody was an orphan without funds, situation or influential friends. 
In May, 1812, he sailed from Newburyport for Georgetown, D. C., 
with his uncle, and the two soon aft(;rwards established themselves in 
the place last named, where they remained in business two y(-ars. 

Before Mr. Peabody was nineteen years of age he was admitted as a 
partner with Mr. Elisha Riggs. The dry goods house of Riggs & 
Peabody was removed to Baltimore in 1815, and other houses were 
established in Philadelphia and New York in 1822. In 1829, Mr. 
Riggs retired from the firm, and his nephew took his i)lace, when the 
name of the house was changed to Peab:.dy, Riggs & Co. He first 
visited England in 1827, and made several voyages during the next 
ten years.' He last embarked for England in February, 1837, and 
untifnow has not since been in this country. In 1813, he retired from 
the firm above named, and established himself m London. 

"It is rare in this country," writes one who knows Mr. I eabody 



116 

well, "that, without advantages of birth, or inheritance, or education, 
or public place, a simple-minded, unobtrusive, straight-forward man, be- 
comes, by tlie few means that commercial life gives, preeminent among 
his peers; and it is rarer still, that in another country, and thai country 
famous for individual wealth, a man like this, among the merchant 
princes of that country's metropolis, should rise to distinction. That 
man's character which is elevated by means of pure personal merit, 
becomes, by the strongest title, the property of the rising generation of 
his country, for their model and example. And such a man is Mr. 
George Peabody.'" 

In June, 1852, the town of Danvers held its centennial celebration, 
and Mr. Peabody was invited to be present. In reply to this invitation, 
a letter was received from him, in which, after regretting his inability 
to be present at the approaching festival, alluding to his school-boy 
days, and the affection he retained for his native town, and remarking, 
in relation to the growth of our country, that " he could hardly see 
bounds to our possible future if we preserve harmony among ourselves, 
and crood faith to the rest of the world, and if we plant the unrivalled 
New England institution of the Common Schools liberally among the 
emio'rants who are filling uj) the great valley of the Mississippi" — he 
stated that he had enclosed a sentiment, and asked that it might remain 
sealed till his letter was read on the day of the celebration, when it was 
to be opened according to the direction on the envelope. In compli- 
ance with the direction, the seal was broken while the toasts were being 
proposed at dinner. This was the sentiment : 

Education — A debt due from present to future generations. 

Then came the following announcement, in eloquent j)roof that the 
above was, with him, not a mere sentiment : 

" In acknowledgment of the payment of that debt by the generation 
which preceded me in my native town of Danvers, and to aid in its 
prompt future discharge, 1 give to the inhabitants of that town the sum 
of twenty thousand dollars, for the promotion of knowledge and moral- 
ity among them. 

" 1 be<T to remark, that the subject of making a gift to my native 
town has" for some years occupied my mind, and I avail myself of your 
present interesting festival to make the communication, in the hope that 
it will add to the pleasures of the day." 

Mr. Peabody has since increased this gift to the sum of $45,000, and 
a large and beautiful brick edifice, known as the Peabody Institute, is 
now one of the prominent objects of interest in Danvers. In the upper 
story is a commodious lecture room, adorned by a splendidly framed 
full-length portrait of the liberal donor, the library-room being on the 
first floor. The library numbers at present 5000 well selected vol- 
umes, and the industry with which they are used, shows that the people 
of the town highly appreciate the kindness of their benefactor. Mr. 
Peabody also gives yearly $200 to be expended in medals for the meri- 
torious scholars of the two High Schools of the town, one of which, in 
honor bf him, is called the Peabody High School. 

The new rooms of the Mercantile Library Association in this city 
are decorated with the portraits of prominent merchants ; Peter C. 



117 

Brooks, Thomas II. Perkins, William Gray, Thomas C. Aniory, Abbott 
Lawrence, Robert G. Shaw, and others, and there is room for a num- 
ber more. Scnne of tlie older members of tlic Institution have em- 
ployed an artist to paint the portrait of Mr. Teabody from life, which 
they intend to present to the Association. The work is now in proji- 
ress, and the artist has recently had several sittings at tin; residence of 
Mr. Peabody's sifter, in Georgetown. This movement is highly cred- 
itable to all the parties concerned. 

In personal appearance, Mr. Peabody looks more a professional than 
a business man. He is some six feet tall, erect, with a florid com- 
plexion, and a fine bold forehead. He may be past fifty years in age, 
though his appearance does not indicate it. He is ready, intelligent in 
no ordinary degree, copious in power of expressing his views, and 
truly sincere in everything which he does and says. 

In commercial phrase he is preeminently a reliable man, showing 
neither to friends or enemies, under any circumstances, any phase of 
character which will not he found stable in every event. 

Tl;e editor of the published account of the Danvers Centennial Cele- 
bration, in narrating the fiicts respecting the gift of Mr. Peabody, men- 
tions the circumstances of his youth, and adds thereto these words : 

" Might we invade the sanctuary of his early home, and the circle of 
his immediate connections, we could light around the youthful pos- 
sessor of a few hundreds of dollars, — the avails of the most severe and 
untiring efforts, — a brighter halo than his elegant hospitalities, his mu- 
nificent donations, or his liberal {)ublic acts, now shed over the rich 
London banker." 



[Specially reported for the Boston Transcript.] 
RECEPTION OF MR. PEABODY AT DANVERS. 

Danvers, Oct. 9, 1856. 

The people of Danvers have made extensive |)re|)arations for the 
festival that takes place to-day. The entire population enter into the 
arrangements in a way that shows how the beneficence of the princely 
merchant, Mr. Peabody, is regarded by the public here. Nearly every 
house on the chief streets of the town is decorated with more or less 
taste, and the wealthier occupants have been quite lavish in expenditure 
for this object. Main Street, as viewed from either end, with its tri- 
umphal arches and its rows of flags suspended at various points across 
the street, presents a magnificent appearance. This street is peculiar- 
ly well situated for decorations of this nature, from tlu; beautiful border 
of trees that skirts the sidewalks. Other avenues, particularly Wash- 
ington Street, are handsomely decorated, and the day is a gala one for 
the people of all this vicinity. 

Many of the most distinguished citizens in the country are expected 
to participate in the proceedings of the occasion. Letters of invitation 
were sent to the following named gentlemen, some of whom, however, 
are unable to be present : — 

Hon. Rufus Choate ; Hon. George S. Flillard ; Hon. R. C. Winthrop : 



118 

Rev. Dr. Walker, President of Harvard University ; Professor Felton ; 
Hon A. H. Rice, Mayor of Boston, and Hon. Wrn. Appleton, dele- 
gates from the city of Boston, whose municipal authorities invited Mr. 
Peabody to a public rece|)tion in that city ; Governor Gardner ; Mayors 
and Aldermen of Salem and Newburyport ; Charles Augustus Davis 
and delegates from New York ; S. V. Merrick, Esq., and deputation 
from Philadelphia; J. C. Brune, chairman of committee and delegation 
from Baltimore; Messrs. T. Bigelow, James and Abbott Lawrence, 
N. I. Bowditch, George Bancroft, Dr. E. K. Kane, Alexander Duncan, 
(firm of Duncan & Sherman of New York,) Rev. John Pierpont, Mrs. 
J. S. Morgan, (wife of Mr. Peabody's partner, resident in London,) 
T. G. Grattan, British Consul at Boston ; Hon. A. Huntington, Messrs. 
O. P. and N. J. Lord, George Peabody, David Pingree, Hon. John G. 
King, Judge Perkins, Hon. S. C. Phillips, Hon. R. S. Rogers, of Salem ; 
Hon. Henry Barnard, Superintendent of Schools ; Washington Irving ; 
W. W, Corcoran, banker in London ; Commodore Stringham of 
Charlestovvn ; Professor Agassiz; Peter Cooper of New York; Ex- 
Governor George S. Boutwell, George B. Blake, J. Murray Howe, 
Jarvis Slade, C. A. Davis of New York ; Lieut. -Gov. Raymond of 
New York ; Hon. N. G. Upham, formerly Commissioner to London ; 
the clergy of South Danvers and Danvers ; Henry Cristy of London; 
Joseph Peabody of New York, and many others. 

Letters were received from many of the above named gentlemen, 
expressing regrets at not being able to attend the Festival. 

Mr. Peabody was received at Rev. Mr. Fletcher's church, in Maple 
Street, Danvers, about 9 o'clock this morning, he having just arrived 
from Georgetown. From thence he was escorted by a cavalcade of 
Ladies and Gentlemen, and a procession consisting of the municipal 
authorities of North and South Danvers, invited guests, school teachers 
and pupils, fire department and military, to the Peabody Institute in 
South Danvers, where the first reception speech was delivered bv Hon. 
Alfred A. Abbott. 



[Spccuil telegraphic despatch to the Transcript.] 

South Danvers, Thursday, 2 o'clock, P. M. 

The influx of strangers into Danvers is immense. At all tl»e princi- 
pal points the sidmvalks are- lined with spectators : all portions of the 
town present a moving mass of humanity. The fair damsels of Essex 
are here in their strength, and the ro[)utation for beauty they have lonw 
enjoyed is amply sustained by the bright eyes and rosy countenances 
visible on every hand. 

As the procession moved along the route previously prescribed, the 
plaudits of the throng and the smiles of the ladies indicated how strong- 
ly the favorite son of Danvers had enshrined himself in the hearts of 
her people. 

The procession was long and imposing. The cavalcade, composed 
of ladies and gentlemen, in itself a novel thing for an American fete, 
from the strong numbers mustered and the admirable manner in which 
the riders bore themselves, was a marked feature of the cortege. 



119 

T!ie military escort was performed by the Salcm Cadets, which 
turned out 100 muskets, and never appeared on a better occasion, or 
witii more credit to the citizen soldiery of Massachusetts. 

The schools had some 1500 children in the ranks, and the procession 
altogether numbered about 5000, and was one of tlic most truly beau- 
tiful and interesting pageants ever beheld. 

The procession, after having passed the locality fixed for the first 
welcome speech, countermarched, and again reached the spot about 
noon. 

The Address of (Greeting was delivered by lion. Alfred A. Abbott. 

To this Mr. Peabody rej)licd, in a response full of deep feeling. 
Before Mr. Peabody conmienced his responsive address a Hymn of 
Welcome was sung by a choir of school children. 

Mr. Peabody closed his address amidst loud cheers. The procession 
again re-formed and passed to the dinner tent, wliich occupied a field 
on Washington Street, and was beautifully decorated with flags and 
streamers. 

Many distinguished gentlemen are present, and will make speeches 
at the dinner. 

There will be a levee this evening, at which Mr. Peabody will re- 
ceive the congratulations of many of the citizens. 

The weather has been delightful, and everything passed ofi' with un- 
expected perfection and success. 

The festival was a highly agreeable one throughout, and closed with 
an invitation to the company to meet Mr. Peab(jdy in the evening at the 
residences of President Daniels and General Sutton. These levees 
were largely attended by the citizens, and formed a brilliant and hap- 
py conclusion to the ceremonies of the day. 

Altogether, the decorations along the whole route of some four miles 
were of the most pleasing and appropriate character, and for variety, 
beauty and profuseness have rarely been paralleled on any festive oc- 
casion in this country. The scene must have awakened emotions of 
the most gratifying nature in the bosorn of the distinguished guest and 
benefactor of the town. 



[From the Boston Diiily Advertiser.] 
RECEPTION OF MR. TI^ABODY. 

The return of George Peabody, Esq., the eminent London banker, 
after an absence of more than twenty years, to his native town of Dan- 
vers, enriched a few years since by a bounteous benefaction at his 
l^finds, — an event of no ordinary interest, — was appropriately cele- 
brated Thursday. The weather was favorable ; notwithstanding the 
lateness of the season, it was a bright, warm day, the pure atmosphere 
and clear skies contributing in no inconsiderable degree to the liappi- 
ness of the occasion. The old town was dressed in holiday trim; the 
inhabitants were awake to the interest and importance of the celebra- 
tion, and their faces beamed with pleasure as they prepared for the 
reception of their honored townsman. 



120 

It sliould bo remarked, to avoid obscurity, tliat about a year ago, by 
an act of the legislature, the old town of Danvers was divided, the 
southerly portion being set off and incorporated by itself under the 
name of South Danvers, while tiic northerly portion retains tlie name 
of Danvers. Mr. Peabody very properly regarded the whole of the old 
town as one, and received and accepted the joint invitation of the 
two towns without reference to the separation ; he was first " received" 
in Danvers and proceeded to South Danvers, where the piincipal exer- 
cises of the day took place ; the citizens of both towns participating in 

all the exercises. 

****** 

Thus ended this most successful celebration. There were many 
features in it of especial interest. First and foremost, was its charac- 
ter as a universal and spontaneous tribute of honor by all the people of 
the town. Again, it was particularly pleasant to see the school chil- 
dren forming so important a part in the pageant. There were more 
than a thousand of them, with happy, smiling faces. Thirty-one girls 
were dressed in a beautiful uniform to represent the several States of 
the Union, whose arms were depicted on shields which they bore. 
They were accompanied by three young ladies, tastefully dressed to 
personate England, Ireland and Scotland. The international feature 
of the celebration was a remarkable one — everywhere were the flags 
of Great Britain and the United States twined together — in one place a 
statue of Washington was displayed, supported on either side by Vic- 
toria and Albert ; and, at the dinner, when Mr. Peabody alluded to the 
Queen, three cheers for her were proposed, and heartily given by the 
company. 

Mr. Peabody appeared in good health, and seemed to enjoy the day. 



[Reported for the Boston Atlas.] 
RECErTlON OF MR. PEABODY. 

Pjrilliant Ovation. Dkcokations, Procession, and Fkstival. — 
The citizens of the good old town of Danvers turned out en masse, 
Thursday, to receive their former fellow-citizen, now the distinguished 
London banker, who, by his public benefactions and private hospitality, 
has won a place in the hearts of men the world over. 

The people of his native town, appreciating what he has done for 
them and coming generations, with praiseworthy gratitude tendered to 
Mr. Peabody an ovation, which, on the one hand, was merited, and, on 
the other, was all that could be desired. 

It was thought best that all of the territory comprised in the ancient 
town of Danvers should have part in the proceedings ; and each town, 
therefore, engaged in the matter with great energy. The decorations 
throughout the town, especially upon the route of the procession, were 
numerous and elecant. 



121 

[ Reported for tlic Boston Courier.] 

The rccoplion of Cecege FrTircDY, Ks-q., by liis old frirrids nnd 
nc'ijl Lois, )(s;cic'ciy, vns an l.or.or cf \vl.ich ll c; Tore most n-.fiii in ll.e 
republic might be proud. Tl e fcclirg of cordi.-ilily was universal ; 
ai-d Old Sal( rn suFptndcd business lo unite with Old Danveis in ibis 
ovalion. Tbc gccd people of ihe furroiir.ding villages, loo, left il eir 
cnstemary day toil, and liurried (o do reverence lo a benefactor; and 
commercial Boston was represented by numbers of tbc most solid of 
her solid merchants, and the municipal government by Mayor Kice. 
Ncwburyport, and Charlestcwn, and Eoxbuiy, and Can.briVge, — in- 
deed, almost every considerable community in tb:e Sta'e, — weie icpie- 
sented ; ar.d tie Governor of the C( mmor wealth, lie Hon. Edward 
Everett, the wise and learned President of Harvard College, and the 
British Consul, were present. 

The weather was charming — all that could be desired for an out-door 
demonstration. 

The school children attracted universal attention. They were dressed 
in their best attire. The ladies in tl c cavalcade added to the novelty 
and variety of the show ; and the firemen made an imposing appear- 
ance. Thirty-one little girls in white represented the Slates of the 
Union ; and Scotia, Erin and England were appropriately typified in 
the girls' department. Old Time, too, was jjcrsonated by a youth on 
horseback. But we must hurry on to the large themes of t-he day. 
The procession moved through the principal streets to the Pcabody 
Institute, in front of which was an artificial platform. The distin- 
guished guests having taken seats assigned them, the school children 
having been arranged in an open square adjoining the Institute, the 
military and other bodies formed a solid mass in front of the building. 

The exercises at the Institute closed with singing by children ; and 
the procession was re-formed, and marched to the great canvas. 

The Dinner. — Tlic dinner was held in J. B. Smith's large pavilion, 
which was finely decorated for the occasion. In the rear of the Presi- 
dent's chair was a large stuffed eagle, around which were the ensigns 
of the nation. Upon one of the masts of the pavilion was another 
eagle, holding in ils beak a scroll, with the inscription — " England my 
abiding place; Am(!rica my home." Sixteen hundred plates were 
laid. At two o'clock the dinner party entered the pavilion. It was a 
brilliant gathering. A lai-ge proportion of those present were ladies, 
whose beauty and intelligence gave an additional charm to the fes- 
tivities. 



[From tlio Boston Tnivcllcr of Get. 9.] 
WELCOME OF GEOTK^E BEABODY, ESQ. 

Great Preparations made for his Receptiois-. Beautiful Dec- 
orations, &c., &c. — Great preparations have been and are being 
made, by the citizens of South Danvers and Danvers, to welcome back 
to his native town Mr. George Pcabody ; and it will undoubtedly be a 
great day, not only for Danvers, but 'for the whole of old Essex County. 
The citizens appear to have left nothing undone which would serve to 



122 

make the alHur pass off with great eelat ; and it cannot fail to be such 
a demonstration of the respect and esteem which tlie people of Danvers 
hold towards their never-tiring benefactor as will, at least, in a great 
measure, repay Mr. Peabody for all his many contributions and dona- 
tions, which have so prospered the home of his youth. 

All the arrangements of the Committee have been perfected ; and it 
is now pretty certain tliat Mr. Peabody will reach Maple Street from 
Georgetown, from which place he proceeds in his own carriage, at 
about nine o'clock this morning. There he will be received by the 
procession, and escorted through the principal streets to the Institute. 
****** 

A prominent feature of the procession will be that portion of it which 
consists of the pupils of the different schools in the town, who will 
number, it is expected, about fifteen hundred. They are all to be 
dressed in holiday suits, and each will wear a beautiful silk badge, 
upon which is a portrait of Mr. Peabody, together with the sentiment, 
" Education, the debt due from present to future generations," which 
is the sentiment enclosed by Mr. Peabody at the time of his making his 
recent liberal donation. 

****** 

The enthusiasm of the citizens generalfy is great, and all, old and 
young, are equally anxious to unite in paying just tribute of respect 
and esteem to worth. 

At this early moment, of course, the decorations are incomplete ; 
but, up to a late hour last evening, the work of arranging flags and 
streamers was carried on, and, in our next edition, we shall be able to 
present a full account of them. It would be unjust to the enterprising, 
zealous, and worthy chizens, should we give the sketch from the pres- 
ent state of the work. 

The interior of the main hall of the Institute is without further orna- 
ment than a very beautiful and life-like full-length picture of Mr. Pea- 
body, encased in a carved gilt frame, of the most exquisite workman- 
ship. The painting is a work of art, and the ornamentation of the 
frame delicate and tasteful. This picture Mr. Peabody consented to 
have taken in accordance with the wishes of his fellow-citizens, as 
expressed by a special vote of the town. It was deemed best, by the 
Committee having charge of the matter, to allow the hall to be un- 
adorned, that the distinguished donor might the better perceive with 
what fidelity the Trustees of the Institute have carried his noble pur- 
poses into effect. The exterior of the beautiful edifice is decorated 
with flags and streamers in jjrofusion, but all gracefully arranged, with 
the highest point of the roof for an apex. Streamers fall so plenti- 
fully, yet so tastefully, that the display rivals in attractiveness that at 
any other point. Above the street, on a line extending from the Insti- 
tute building, is arranged a beautiful canopy of flags and streamers. 
This canopy, which is elaborate and tasteful in the highest degree, is 
immediately above the main entrance to the Institute. There is a 
neatness about the whole affair, which cannot fail to elicit general com- 
mendation, and certainly reflects credit on the taste of the decorators. 



123 

[From the Boston Traveller of Oct. 10.] 

The people of Danvers and South Danvers turned out en jnassc yes- 
terday, to greet their long-ahseiit son, George Peabody, Escp, of Lon- 
don. The day was one of the most deliglitful of the season, and the 
demonstration passed off in such a manner as will leave the remem- 
brance of the day long in the recollection of all who participated in it. 

At an early hour in the morning, the streets began to be crowded, 
and by the time the procession reached South Danvers, every princi- 
pal street was completely blocked by the crowd. The unbounded 
hospitality of the inhabitants of tlie town of Danvers was put to a 
severe test ; but yet, at every residence, the " latcli-string " appeared 
to be out ; and the recollection, by all the citizens from abroad, of the 
" Peabody Reception," will always be united with pleasant memories 
of unceasing attentions paid to them. 

' * * * * * * 

On arriving at the South Danvers line, at the home of Bowdilch, 
this procession was met by the escort, under Major-General Sutton, 
consi-sting of the Independent Corps of Cadets, with Gilmore's Salem 
Brass Band ; the various fire-engine companies of Danvers, with their 
engines beautifully decorated with evergreens, flowers, &c. ; and the 
scholars of the different schools of the town, beautifully dressed in 
holiday suits, bearing beautiful banners with suitable inscriptions refer- 
ring to Mr. Peabody, such as " Honor to the Pacificator of Nations," 
" Welcome," " Honor to our Benefactor," etc. 

This feature of the procession was decidedly the most attractive por- 
tion of it. A more beautiful array of children we never saw. There 
were between twelve and fifteen hundred in number, and all were 
tastefully dressed in various holiday garbs made for the occasion. 
Some marched in the procession, while the smaller ones were con- 
veyed in carriages beautifully decked witli flowers, evergreens, &c. 
Particularly noticeable among them were three beautiful young misses 
dressed to represent three different nations, and who attracted universal 
attention. 

After the schools came the invited guests, citizens, &c. 

On arriving at the residence of Miles Osborn, Esq., an old school- 
mate of Mr. Peabody, the procession stopped, and Mr. Peabody, ac- 
companied by Mr. Daniels and others, entered the house where were 
several of his old friends ready to welcome iiim. As j\Ir. Peabody 
greeted Mr. Osborn he exclaimed: " Ah, I see you look as smiling 
and jovial as of old, when we went to school together." 

Here Mr. Peab'.>dy found many of his old friends, both ladies and 
gentlemen, and he greeted them most cordially. After jiartaking of 
some refreshments, he again entered his barouche and the procession 
proceeded on its way. 

The entire route was thronged, and there could have been not less 
than 20,000 people in Danvers yesterday. The procession was about 
a mile in length, and probably numbered in the vicinity of 4,000. 



124 

[From the Boston Journal.] 
RECEPTION OF MR. TEABODY AT DANVERS. 

Danvers, Thursday, 9 o'clock, A. M. 

The morning opened propitiously, and the town of Danvers was 
early alive with it.s citizens and with strangers. Marshals, committees 
and firemen are seen in all the streets. The cavalcade is forming to 
meet Mr. Peabody, who is soon to arrive from Georgetown. He is to 
be received here in Danvers by the portion of the committee residing 
here, and is to be escorted by the cavalcade to South Danvers. Both 
towns, Danvers and South Danvers, are equally engaged hi honoring 
the guest of the occasion. Mr. Peabody regards with equal favor both 
of them, and would not accept a welcome from one only. He recog- 
nizes no division of the old township. 

Where they are to receive him, the sign of the railroad crossing is 
hung with flags and streamers. Flags adorn the spire of Rev. Mr. 
Fletcher's church, and the trees in the immediate vicinity. On the 
new school building near the church is the motto, " Free Schools are 
the Nation's Strength." Opposite the school-house, Fred. Perley's 
store is adorned with pine boughs and with evergreens, with wreaths 
and flowers, and with the motto, " Danvers Welcomes her Noble Son." 
Just below, Gould's shoe store is ornamented in a similar way, and has 
beneath the flags — " Thy Native Land." 

But the grandest display of the whole town is seen in the great arch 
near the Village Bank. The main arch is forty feet high and forty 
wide. On both sides are side arches, twenty feet wide and twenty 
high. Six large American flags float above the large arch, and on its 
very summit sits a large gilded eagle with spread wings. Across the 
arch in great letters is the word " Welcome." From the top of the 
arch hang six beautiful wreaths, with various inscriptions. The two 
central ones are red, and have — " He hath honored us Abroad, and we 
honor him at Home." On one side of these, in the center of another 
blue wreath, is a large gilt letter G. On the other side, in a fourth 
wreath of blue, is the letter P. The remaining wreatlis are white, and 
set with beautiful flowers. This splendid arch is covered with green 
boughs and evergreens, and is hung with red, white and blue stream- 
ers. A more magnificent arch has never been seen in the country, 
and it is the finest decoration on the route. Beneath this he will pass 
on his way to South Danvers. Just below this monument of the gen- 
erosity and enterprise of the citizens of Danvers, the village square 
presents a most dazzling appearance. Here the Bank and the stores 
and dwellings are all decorated with wreaths of gorgeous flowers and 
beautiful festoons. Across the square are ropes attached to tlio four 
corners, upon which are suspended the flags of all nations, representa- 
tive of that peace and amity which Mr. Peabody would establish 
amonji them. 



125 

[From the Salem Gazette of October 10, 1850.] 
THE PEABODY IIECEPTION, IN DANVEUS, YESTERDAY. 

The almost entire, community of interests, feelings, and relationships, 
between large portions of Old Danvers and Salem, authorizes u.s to 
devote much of our space to the concerns of the former plSce ; and we 
have accordingly appropria:ed every spare inch of our columns, this 
morning, to the details of the Reception of George Peabody, Esq.. on 
his return to his native town, after an ab.scnce of twenty years. The 
occasion is one highly honorable to the good taste and public spirit of 
the citizens, off(;ring a most ap|)ropr!ate tribute of respect, regard, and 
gratitude, to tlic Beuefoctor of their commiuiity — one of those rare and 
happily constituted persons, who are not made hard and arrogant by 
prosperity ; but whose generosity, benevolence, and humanity in- 
crease and spread abroad with their increasing means. 

Our readers are all acquainl<^d with the history of I\Ir. Pcabody's 
munificent donations, amounting to forty-five thousand dollars, for the 
establishment of the Institute to which his name has been most appro- 
priately attached. In view of this crowning benefaction of a long 
course of minor benefits and private remembrances, the citizens of 
Danvers determined to give a public expression to their feelings on the 
return of Mr. Peabody, from his long sojourn, as a banker, in London, 
wl'.ere he has held a position of power and infiuence, such as, we be- 
lieve, has been accorded to no other commercial man in that groat 
metropolis. The services of yesterday are the result of this deter- 
mination. 

The weather and all attending circumstances were in the highest 
degree propitious. The most lovely of Indian Summer days gave 
beauty and pleasure to the occasion. The whole population of the 
Old Town joined with heart and hand in the good work, and the result 
was such as has been rarely equalled in any community ; and never 
can be in a great city, however much expense may be incurred in 
rivalling the heartwork of a homogeneous, spirited, prosperous, and 
grateful people. 

[From the Salem Register.] 
THE PEABODY OVATION IN DANVERS. 

The return of Gkouge Peacody to his native town, which he has 
blessed so abundantly by his noble benefactions, was celebrated on 
Thursday last, in a manner which made it one of the most remarkable 
events of the age. The whole people came out to do honor to a private 
citizen, and paid a tribute to simple manly worth, which the greatest of 
sovereigns and conciuerors might envy. The day was one of the 
brightest and most genial of that loveliest of seasons designated as the 
Indian Summer, and the old town of Danvers (we recognize here none 
of the recent legislative distinctions) never wore a gayer or more 
charminrr aspect. From 20,000 to 30,000 persons, strangcsrs and citi- 
zens, thronged the streets to witness the pageant, which, from first to 
last, was a splendid success. We have devoted nearly our wiiole pa- 



126 

per to the addresses dolivcncd on the occasion, at the formal Rcceplion 
and at tlic Banquet, and therefore have little space to bestow upon 
other great features of the occasion, which it is impossible for us to 
notice in detail. 

The Decorations, in particular, we regret to he. tjbligcd to slight ; for, 
along the w'liole route of the procession, the public and private build- 
ings and streets were ornatnented with a profusion, elegance and uni- 
versal good taste, such as we have never seen surpassed. 

Mr. Peabody reached the Plains, from Georgetown, at about half- • 
past 9 o'clock. Here ho was met by a Committee, aTid greeted with a 
salute of artillery, a hundred rounds being fired. From this point he 
was escorted by a brilliant cavalcade of ladies and gentlemen, number- 
ing about 340, the cortege being followed by 257 well filled vehicles — 
a very unusual collection for this section of the country — to the head 
of Central Street, where the main procession, marshalled by Maj. Gen. 
Sutton, was in waiting to receive him. 

Tlie Divisionary Corps of Cadets, forming the Escort, having paid 
him a military salute, and Gilmore's unsurpassed Brass Band played 
appropriate airs, the procession took up its line of march. The Cadets 
turned out, on this occasion, 110 strong, (including their twelve offi-. 
cers,) and, with Gilmore's Band, mad(i a very splendid appearance. 
The escort duty, throughout, was performed in the most admirable 
style, and the Cadets acquitted themselves in a manner which con- 
ferred credit, not only upon their Commander, Samuel B. Foster, Esq., 
who has no superior as a skilful and accomplished tactician, but upon 
the Militia of the Commonwealth, of which they are a distinguished 
ornament. 

After the Cadets came the Firemen, with their elegantly decorated 
macliines, and numbering about 600 men, besides a smart little Juve- 
nile corps from Salem. The several companies were neatly uniformed 
and appeared finely. They were accompanied bv the Bosion Brass 
Band, and there were besides, in the procession, the Boston Brigade, 
the Salem Bay State, Bond's Cornet Band, the last mounted, and the 
Beverly Brass Band. Next came an elegant barouche, drawn by six 
beautiful black horses, and containing Mr. Peabody, with the President 
of the Day, and others. This was followed bv a barouche containing 
Governor Gardner and his Aids — the latter in uniform — and by car- 
riages with invited guests. 

Next came the great feature of the procession, the children of the 
schools, of whom there could have been no less than 1500; and a 
lovelier sight is seldom seen. Of their banners and decorations we 
cannot speak in detail ; but among those who attracted great admira- 
tion were 31 young ladies of the Peabody High School, robed in white, 
with scarfs of the star-spangled banner, representing the various States 
of the Union, and bearing shields with the respective arms painted 
thereon. Among them marched three young ladies, so arrayed as to 
represent England, Ireland and Scotland. The efTc^ct was very beau- 
tiful. There were several other schools elegantly attired, and dis- 
playing tasteful devices, which did not escape the observation and 



127 



applause of tlio muUitudo, iiotwilhsUuiding wo are obliged to ncclect 
thern here.* '^ 

The Addresses at the formal recei)tioii, on the plalfornt in front of 
the Institute, will be found on our first page. The son<r, 

" Home again, home again, from a foreign shore," 

which was so touchingly sung here, just before Mr. Peubody's response, 
and which produced so marked an eflect, was performed by the pupils 
of the llolten High School. ^ i i 

_ After the services here the Dinner took place, of which we have 
given a very full account. 

In the evening there was a public Soiree at the Institute, and large 
social parties at the residences of Hon. R. S. Daniels and Maj. Gen. 
Sutton, attended by Mr. Peabody, the Governor, and other distinguished 
personages. 

Never was a celebration more happily arranged, or more thoroufihlv 
successful. 

Mr. Peabody left Danvers on Friday afternoon, but we learn that he 
will return to this section of the country to pass the Thanksgiving 
holidays. 



The following article is from a correspondent of the Salem Register, 
and is understood to be from the pen of Hon. Asahel Huntington : — 

[For the Register.] 

MR. PEABODY'S RECEPTION IN DANVERS, AND AT THE PLOUGH- 
ING MATCH IN NEWBURYPORT. 

Messrs. Editors: — 

I had the pleasure and the honor to bo present at the grand and no- 
ble reception, by our neighbors of Danvers, of their distinguished son 
and guest. And they have done themselves the highest honor in ren- 
dering such a tribute to such a man. In all tliis great demonstration of 
respect and gratitude, everything was conceived in the best taste, and 
carried out with a liberal and generous hand. Commend me to the 
old town of Danvers (I wish it were still one town,) for its style, man- 
ner and appointments, in getting up, sustaining and perfecting a real, 
hearty and genuine public celebration. They have done all these 
things most admirably from the start. I have been through all the 
degrees, and know all about it ; and there ought to be as many de- 
grees, for the purpose of honoring such a friend of his race and gener- 
ation, and of the " futiu-e generations," as Mr. Pkabodv, by his life 
and deeds, has proved himself to be, as there are in the ancient orders 

* Diirinf^ the progress of the Procession down Central Street two balloons, made 
of tissue paper, were sent up from the square. Tliev were of large size, for the ma- 
terial of which they were made, being ai)out ten feet in diameter, and to each was 
attached a oar, about two feet in diameter, from wliicli waved flags of blue, white 
and red. They rose majestically, .and attracted mujli attention as they floated 
away in a nortliwesterly direction. These balloons were made and sent up by Mr. 
Lauriston Stiles. 



128 

of Miisonry. I was present at the laying of the corner-stone of the 
temple, which he has erected for the " future generations," as well as 
for the presi;nt. That was a work of actual masonry, and well was it 
done by that other noble benefactor of his race, the late Abbott Law- 
RENCK — a name ever to be remembered and held in the highest honor 
and respect in this Commonwealth. That occasion, signal and felici- 
tous in all its arrangements and appointments, marked well the start- 
ing point, and the foundations were found to be well and securely laid. 
Next came the dedication and inauguration of the finished temple ; and 
here, again, everything was done in the most felicitous manner, and 
another son of Danvers — an early and adopted son — honored this oc- 
casion with his presence, and adorned it with all the graces of the 
richest eloquence, and started the " Institute" on its high career of 
usefulness. 

And last comes the third degree, (and this I believe is the degree of 
MastfM" Mason,) the great and grand reception of the Man himself; and 
here all the men, women and children of old Danvers rise up, as one 
man, to do honor to their friend and benefactor; and all the people 
round about, from all parts of the County, as well as from distant places, 
come in and join in the loud acclaim. All see with one eye, hear with 
one ear, and speak with one voice — a language and a speech which 
need no interpreter. It was a most hearty reception by these vast 
multitudes ; and all the proceedings were in good keeping with such 
an occasion and such a purpose. The great and beautiful procession, 
arranged in all its parts with eminent good taste, adorned by the chil- 
dren of the town — by far the most engrossing spectacle of the day ; the 
reception speech, appropriate and graceful, as we all had a right to 
expect from such a source ; tlie dinner, got up with the greatest profu- 
sion of all good things, and the tables set off by all manner of beautiful 
flowers ; the excellent opening address from the President of the day, 
followed by the well conceived and well received speech of the Gov- 
ernor ; the jewels and brilliants of the great American orator, the great 
orator of his age, whom no man can approach ; the Greek Professor, 
who speaks always the best English, -in all its styles and moods ; our 
venerable and distinguished townsman. Judge White ; and other gen- 
tlemen who favored the great tent with graceful and appropriate re- 
marks — all these festivities were crowned with levees and receptions in 
many of the private dwellings in the evening; and hospitality, open, 
generous and profuse, everywhere ruled the day and the night. Old 
Danvers put on her best robes, and most gracefully did she wear 
them. VVcll may old Salem be proud of such a daughter, and such a 
GRAND son. All her people were there to greet him ! 

This was truly a great reception ; but it was my good fortune to 
witness another reception of Mr. Peabody by the farmers of his native 
County, at Newburyport, just one week before, on a beautiful October 
day, a twin-sister of yesterday. All the arrangements of the Farmer's 
Festival had been made and published, with great precision as to time, 
in the order of the different parts and stages of the exhibition. The 
ploughing match, in a large field in the upper part of the city, had been 
arranged to commence precisely at nine o'clock, and thither the multi- 



129 

tudes had wended their way, to be in season for this always invitini;; 
spectacle. I arrived late upon the ground to witness, as 1 supposed, 
the very close of this contest of oxen and ploughs. I found there an 
unusually large representation of the farmers of Essex, and of the bone 
and sinew of the County ; and, to my surprise, all the teams, some 
thirty in number, were standing at their respective stations, with the 
plough in the furrow, the drivers by with whip in hand, ready to com- 
mence the contest at a moment's notice. I inquired the cause of the 
delay, and was informed they were waiting for Mr. Peabody, and that 
orders had been given, by the President of the Society, that no sod 
should be turned until his arrival. He had not agreed to be there, and 
no fault was altributable to him on account of this delay. Thousands 
of working men waited there nearly two hours, and they waited wil- 
lingly and with good humor, and all appeared to wish that Mr. Pea- 
body should have an opportunity to see that there was a fair beginning 
in the trial of strength, and speed, and good workmanship. I passed 
around among the crowd, and examined those noble and patient ani- 
mals, all ready for the long pull and the strong pull. The people were 
jocose and good humored all the while. Some said they guessed Mr. 
Peabody did not get up early in the morning; others surmised that he 
might have adopted the English practice of not getting up at all, and 
not going to bed, as that people always appear to do their great work 
in the night, when honest people are usually in bed ; others suggested 
that the people might have waylaid him; all blessed him, all spoke his 
praises, some in one form and some in another. One said he was 
looking after other people's children, and he only wished ho had a 
thousand of his own ; and another said, all the children were his chil- 
dren. Such were the forms and modes of speech of the farmers of 
Essex. They all regarded Mr. Peabody as a great benefactor of his 
race and kind, and they all desired to do him honor ; and when at last 
he arrived, and his genial and open face smiled on those multitudes, 
they all felt fully recompensed for the delay ; and gladly did they put 
the regal ox upon his work, and turn the furrow as beautifully and 
smoothly as the lady lays over the plait of her delicate ruffle. 

The whole scene was a striking one. I considered it then, and con- 
sider it now, even after the ovations of yesterday, as a great reception. 
Those waiting multitudes evidently cherished a great respect for the 
MAN. It was not for his wealth. Our peoi)lc do not pay great homage 
to mere money. It was because he has proved himself to be a great 
and true friend of man. This was his title to their regard and respect. 

Such exhibitions as these furnish a lesson of instruction and encour- 
agement which I hope will be heeded, and bring forth good fruits in 
other soils, by such kinds and modes of husbandry as those which have 
been so nobly illustrated by Mr. George Peahody, of London, but still 
a full, genuine and true American in all his sympathies and feelings. 

October 10, 1856. H. 



130 

[From the New York Times.] 

The New York Times of October 23, has an article entitled " The 
New England Boy," in which, after speaking of the grand coronation 
of the new Czar at Moscow, it adds : — 

From the monstrous freaks in the despotic far East, let us turn to a 
small village in the Republican West, where, in the same files that tell 
of the barbaric monstrosities at Moscow, is given the story of another 
fete — the village of Danvers in New England. There, too, were re- 
joicings, decorations, civil and military processions, gatherings of 
statesmen, scholars and divines, streets strewn with beauteous flowers, 
and still more bcauteously decorated with beauteous women, proudly 
floating flags, inscriptions and mottoes instinct with meaning and re- 
plete with grace, thousands of lovely children to crown the day with 
the sweetness and charm of unsophisticated youth, three hundred ladies 
and gentlemen forming a cavalcade on horseback, fine arches with pine 
trees adorned with tablets of evergreen. There, too, were firing of 
cannon, and clinking of sabres, and neighing of horses, and beating of 
drums, and frenzy, and enthusiasm, and huzzas that rent the air. 
What strange things have come to pass to wake this tumult in a quiet 
village's veins? What Czar or Emperor has dropped on neat, naive, 
little Danvers to bewilder the innocent natives on their return from the 
meeting-house ? None. The object of this demonstration was neither 
a Czar nor an Emperor, nor even a Lord nor a General, a great novel- 
ist nor great divine. Nothing but an humble New Englander, who 
having, by integrity, industry and goodness of heart, attained a high 
position in the financial and social world, returns to his native village, 
after forty years of absence, and that village, with joy and pride, comes 
out to meet George Peabody, and give him honor for his useful and 
spotless life. Now this is beautiful. Such a reception is an everlast- 
ing monument to industry, when coupled with humanity ; to activity of 
mind, when in unison with benevolence of heart ; to a money-maker, 
who uses his money not only for himself but for noble humanitarian 
objects, such as Mr. Peabody has done. Honor where honor is due ; 
and in the present agitated slate of the country, we find relief in rest- 
ing on this little New England village, so nobly and grandly acknowl- 
edging the merits of one of her sons. We cannot help thinking that 
the morale of this incident is somewhat thrown into the background by 
the political excitement of the hour. Yet, when this excitement shall 
have passed away, this charming demonstration at Danvers will be 
kept in mind, and stand out as one of the most lofty pageants ever 
recorded in republican history. 

We do not desire to write a panegyric on George Peabody, but we 
do on the principle which, in his person, docs honor to the man who 
uses generously and usefully the goods which God has given him. 
Whether the man happens to be a business or a literary man, a slates- 
man or a lawyer, a divine or a mechanic, is altogether a secondary 
question. But, from the fact that the great money-holders of Europe 
have done so little out of their immediate family circles to use their 
wealth for humanitarian interests, we are disposed, perhaps, to over- 



131 

admire a generous businoss-man, not bcausc what he lias done is so 
much, but because otliers do so liltU\ The giant-selfislnu'ss of the 
Rothschilds of Europe makes a giant of benevolence of the Pkahody 
of America. Yet, however this may be, too mucli honor cannot bo 
accorded to such a man as George I'eabody. 

Perchance there may be a little extravagance blended with these 
honors, but it is extravagance in the right direction. We hear com- 
plaints occasionally that business-men occupy too prominent a position, 
and that this is too much of a nierc;intile age. But the fact is, we have 
outlived the time when poets and book-worms and politicians were 
worshipped. The tendency of the age is to respect those only who 
embody their words and thoughts in deeds. Only such poets and 
scholars and politicians, as write and think and speak w-ith such in- 
tensity, profundity and vitality, as to make tlieir works and thoughts 
and speeches tantamount to deeds, arc likely to extort the reluctant 
sympathy of the age. We say reluctant, because, with SiUKsrEARB 
and Pt/VcoN before us, we have become naturally suspicious of would-bo 
heroes of pen and ink, who are too oft(!n but dreary rehashers of oth- 
ers' meat. We require action, and until the present woes of humanity 
fertilize the brains of some new Shakspeare or Bacon, we are apt to 
over-estimate the doings of business-men which result in action. Thus 
we see the Young American rush into business, wliere he may become 
a creator of wealth, which is power, and if his heart is trained simulta- 
neously with his head, a humanitarian power. In this point of view 
such a demonstration as that olFercd to Mr. Peabody is full of moral 
meaning. 

The Lawrences and Pkabodys remind us forcibly of the great 
Florentine merchants, the Medici. Under their rule, art and science 
and literature flourished; the merchants in those days used their wealth 
for the benefit of knowledge, and the names of Hapiiael and Angelo 
still live to commemorate their memory, as will many valuable institu- 
tions with us to make abiding the name of Geokge Peabody. 



[From the American Journal of Education, published at Hartford, Conn.] 

THE PUBLIC RECEPTION OF GEORGE PEABODY, AT DANVERS. 

We are not very fond of fetes of any kind, or ovations to the living 
for any degree of merit, but wc were gratified beyond any former ex- 
perience in the Public Reception given to George Peabody of London, 
by the people of Danvers and South Danvcrs, Mass., in pursuance of a 
unanimous vote of the two towns, in the grateful acknowlc;dgment of 
of his many acts of liberality and public sj)irit, and especially for his 
establishment and endowment of the Institute for the promotion of 
knowledge and morality, and for the institution of Prizes for the en- 
couragement of scholarship and good behavior in the pupils of the 
Public High Schools. It was a spontaneous and hearty tribute of re- 
spect and gratitude by men and women, by old and young, by persons 
of both sexes, and every employment, to one, who had gone out from 
among them — with only that culture which an ordinary district school, 



132 

such as the ordinary district school was fifty years ago, could give to a 
boy, in attendance only for a few months in each year, and for only 
three or four years of his life — and with only that capital which is 
represented by native sagacity, integrity, and a resolute will — and yet 
by that sagacity, integrity and perseverance achieving a position in the 
commercial world second to no other individual or house in the great 
center of business — and yet every where — on either side of the Atlantic, 
in his days of poverty and of affluence — preserving a republican sim- 
plicity of character, dress, manner, a tender filial attachment to the 
licarlh-stone and friends of his youth, and at all times and everywhere 
using a portion of his earnings to advance purposes of patriotism, hos- 
pitality, humanity and education. If Mr. Peabody had been President 
of the United States, with lucrative offices in his gift, or a Military 
Chieftain, fresh from victorious battle-fields, more people could not have 
turned out to receive him or decorated the streets and houses, public 
and private, with a finer display of arches and flowers, of banners and 
inscriptions, to greet him on his return, than was done for him, a suc- 
cessful man of business and a gentleman without office and without 
title. Truly 

" Peace hath her victories, 

No less renowned than war." 

The day — the ninth of October, 1856 — was a perfect specimen of a 
bright, warm, autumnal day, and of itself disposed the heart to the ut- 
terance of thanksgiving and kindly sentiment. At half past nine, 
A. M., Mr. Peabody arrived in his carriage from Georgetown, where 
his sister resides, at the confines of Dan vers, and was received by a 
cavalcade of some three hundred ladies and gentlemen, under an ever- 
green arch hung with flags and streamers — and from that point, escort- 
ed to South Danvcrs, where the procession was formed, which, gather- 
ing length and strength and variety, proceeded through the principal 
streets to the Institute — the stores and shops, the dwellings on either 
hand, and especially those where his old friends reside, being decorat- 
ed with tasteful devices and inscriptions, expressive of the sense enter- 
tained of the character and services of the guest, too numerous and 
varied to be remembered or described in detail. 

We extract the following from a previous number of the same pe- 
riodical, being the concluding part of an article on the Peabody Insti- 
tute, from the pen of its able and energetic Editor, Hon. Henry Bar- 
nard, who is so widely known by his incessant labors for the advance- 
ment of public education : — 

As an additional encouragement to the youth of Danvcrs to improve 
their privileges, Mr, Peabody has signified his intention to give tlie sum 
of two hundred dollars, annually, to be appropriated for the purchase 
of prizes for the meritorious pupils of the two High Schools, known as 
the Peabody and Holten Schools. In furtherance of this design, the 
School Committee of Danvers have had executed a beautifully designed 
medal, called the Peabody Medal, to be awarded to the deserving 
members of the schools. 



133 

But the munificence of Mr. Peabody has not been restricted to the 
noble Institution which will perpetuate his name, or to the schools 
where he was educated, or the town where he was born. It is yet too 
soon to speak of all his benefactions ; and long may it be "before 
those who follow liim will be called on to make up the record of his 
uses of great wealth acquired by commercial sagacity, probity, and 
diligence. When that record is written, it will be found that his liberal 
hand has bestowed largely to provide for the widow and orphan, be- 
reaved by pestilence, and for the poor, rendered houseless by fire, in 
cities which he never visited. Whcni the credit of his adopted Slate of 
Maryland was not properly protected in Europe, his princely interpo- 
sition redeemed her bonds from dishonor. The industry and arts of 
his native land will not forget his timely advances of many thousand 
dollars, that rescued from entire failure the American department of 
the London Exhibition. Science and humanity will unite in associating 
his name with that of Grinnell, as the generous patron of discovery in 
unexplored regions, and of search after the hardy navigator, whose fate 
had touched the heart of all Europe. And while he has contributed 
to rear in the capital of his country, a monument to the memory of 
Washington, his large-hearted patriotism has exalted, in the city of his 
residence, the anniversary of American Independence from a national 
festival, to a fete of Liberty and Fraternity, which the friends of civil 
and religious freedom, whether born on American or English soil, may 
unite in celebrating. 



[From the London Times.] 
THE PEABODY OVATION AT DANVERS. 

The London Times contains the following account of the Peabody 
Ovation at Danvers, contained in a letter from its New York cor- 
respondent : — 

A little town called Danvers, about an hour's ride by railroad from 
Boston, was yesterday (the 9th,) the scene of a grand popular festival, 
which, in decorations and display, threw all recent political demon- 
strations, even in the metropolis of New York, into the shade. Dan- 
vers is the birthplace of Mr. Peabody, the well-known American 
banker, whose 4th of July celebrations and amalgamation banquets of 
the two nations have made his name familiar in London to circles out- 
side those of the city and commerce. 

He has just returned to his native town after twenty years' absence ; 
during that time he has done good service to hundreds of his country- 
men abroad, and with great munificence endowed schools, and found- 
ed a public library in his native town. On his return he was otfered a 
public reception by the merchants of New York, but declined it. The 
community for which he has done so much, however, could not be so 
refused, and yesterday gave liim a magnificent ovation. 

The whole" country, for miles round, must have poured its popula- 
tion into the place ; there were guards of honor of volunteers, well up 



134 

in their drill and splendidly uniformed ; chariots of many shapes, like 
those in the pictures of the pageantry of the ancient guilds ; half a 
score of military bands, and a procession with flags and banners three 
miles long. It included so many schools of children that the problem, 
how America peoples her " far West" so rapidly, became quite intelli- 
gible ; there was an emblematic party of young ladies, representing 
the thirty-odd States of the Union (" bleeding Kansas" judiciously 
omitted, no political sensation being required,) escorting three fair 
personations of England, Ireland, and Scotland. 

Mr. Pcabody's long residence in England gave an opportunity, which 
was very gracefully taken, to manifest the good feeling of the people 
towards the old country ; and it pervaded all the proceedings of the 
day. The two flags waved everywhere together, and at the dinner, to 
which above 1200 guests sat down in a gigantic tent, the same senti- 
ment of mutual friendship gave a pleasing tone to all the speeches. It 
was not an oflicial display, nor was any political party addressed by it ; 
politics were avoided. 

Those present were a fair specimen of the mercantile, agricultural, 
and working classes of New England ; and if the same spirit animates 
the same classes in other great districts of the Union it is a cheering 
and pleasant indication. Had the Queen of Great Britain been the 
Sovereijin of their allecriance, her name could not have been received 
with warmer demonstrations of respect and regard. The Hon. Ed- 
ward Everett made the speech of the day — an eloquent exposition of 
the civilizing eflects of commerce — in compliment to the class to which 
Mr. Peabodv belongs. It is rarely that a private gentleman receives 
such a proof of public admiration, but the feeling of community be- 
tween tiie two nations it expressed was its most pleasing distinction to a 
stranaer. 



AH 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 



PEABODY INSTITUTE, 



^ratttiings at f amng tjje Conur-Stone, 



AND AT TH« 



D E D I CAT ION 



136 



PREFATORY. 



The following pages contain an account of the proceedings at the laying of 
the corner-stone of the Peabody Institute, and also those at the dedication of 
the building after its completion. The Institute was peculiarly fortunate in ob- 
taining the services of distinguished and eloquent men on these interesting 
occasions. The words of the Hon. Abbott Lawrence, himself a noble bene- 
factor of many of our institutions of learning and benevolence, are worthy of 
perpetual remembrance, and will be read with new interest now that death has 
placed its consecrating seal upon his name. The address of Mr. Choate pre- 
sents the true idea and office of the Lecture in connection with tlie Library ; 
and his luminous and eloquent exhibition of the relation of hearing lectures to 
reading and studying books, cannot fail to have a most beneficial influence 
wherever they are known, and may serve to make our Lyceums far more pro- 
fitable, as means of intellectual culture, than than they have heretofore been. 

The Trustees of the Institute have felt that these, and the other addresses 
connected with them, should be rescued from the daily papers in which they 
first appeared, and given to the public in a form for permanent preservation ; 
and every reader of these pages will feel that Danvers has reason for constant 
gratitude to the generous founder of the Peabody Institute, for furnishing so 
liberally to its inhabitants the means of intellectual and moral improvement. 

Before proceeding with the account of the laying of the corner-stone and the 
dedication, we give a brief Historical Sketch of the Institute. 



137 



HISTOllICAL SKETCH. 



Upon the completion of the narrative of the reception, by his towns- 
men, of the founder of the Peabody Institute, it seems not inappro- 
priate to present, for the information of the pubHc,some account of tlie 
origin of the institution, its design, and the success which has thus far 
attended its operations. 

Its foundation is due to his munificence, who adopted this mctliod 
of conferring a lasting benefit on his native town. Of Mr. Peabody 
himself, it is needless for us to say anything in tliis place. His public- 
spirited course during his residence abroad, and the zeal with which he 
has, on all occasions, upheld the honor and credit of his native land, 
have won for him the admiration of his countrymen, and liavc made 
his name familiar to every American. The circumstances attending the 
announcement of Mr. Peabody's gift are interesting. The citizens of 
Danvers had determined to celebrate the one hundreth anniversary of 
the existence of the town as a distinct municipal corporation, which fell 
upon Wednesday, the 16th of June, 1852. Although Mr. Peabody had 
long been absent, yet the many proofs by which he had, in previous 
instances, evinced his regard for the place of his birth, gave him pecul- 
iar claims to be included among the invited guests. Accordingly, an 
invitation was early forwarded to him, by the Committee of the town, 
to be present at that festival, with a request that, if unable to attend, he 
would signify by letter his interest in the occasion. In his reply, after 
stating that his engagements would allow him to comply only with the 
latter part of the request, he said, " I enclose a sentiment which I ask 
may remain sealed till this letter is read on the day of celebration, 
according to the direction on the envelope." 

The indorsement on the envelope of the sealed packet was as fol- 
lows : — 

" The seal of this is not to be broken till the toasts arc being pro- 
posed by the Chairman, at the dinner, 16th June, at Danvers, in com- 
memoration of the one hundreth year since its severance from Salem. 
It contains a sentiment for the occasion, from George Peabody, of Lon- 
don." 



138 

In obedience to the above direction, at the proper moment the reading 
of the communication was called for; and the following was received 
by the delighted audience with loud acclamations : — 

" By George Peabody, of London : — 

" Education — A deht due from present to future generations.'*'* 

" In acknowledgment of the payment of that debt by the generation 
which preceded me in my native town of Danvers, and to aid in its 
prompt future discharge, I give to the inhabitants of that town the sum 
of twenty TirousANi) DOLLARS, for the promotion of knowledge and 
morality among them. 

" I beg to remark, that the subject of making a gift to my native 
town has for some years occupied my mind ; and 1 avail myself of 
your present interesting festival to make the communication, in the hope 
that it will add to the pleasures of the day. 

" I annex to the gift such conditions only as I deem necessary for its 
preservation and the accomplishment of the purposes before named. 
The conditions are, that the legal voters of the town, at a meeting to be 
held at a convenient time after the 16th June, shall accept the gift, and 
shall elect a Committee, of not less than twelve persons, to receive and 
have charge of tlie same, for the purpose of establishing a Lyceum for the 
delivery of lectures, upon such subjects as may be- designated by a 
Committee of the town, free to all the inhabitants, under such rules as 
said Committee may from time to time enact ; and that a Library shall 
be obtained, which shall also be free to the inhabitants, under the direc- 
tion of the Committee. 

" That a suitable building for the use of the Lyceum shall be erected, 
at a cost, including the land, fixtures, furniture, &c.,not exceeding seven 
thousand dollars, and shall be located within one-third of a mile of the 
Presbyterian Mecting-IIouse, occupying the spot of that formerly under 
the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Walker, in the south parish of Dan- 
vers. 

" That ten thousand dollars of this gift shall bo invested by the town's 
Committee, in undoubted securities, as a permanent fund, the interest 
arising therefrom to be expended in support of the Lyceum. 

" In all other respects, I leave the disposition of the affairs of the 
Lyceum to the inhabitants of Danvers, — merely suggesting that it might 
be advisable for them, by their own act, to exclude sectarian theology 
and political discussions forever from the walls of the institution. 

" I will make one request of the Committee ; which is, if they see 
no objection, and my venerable friend, Capt. Sylvester Proctor, should 
be living, that he be selected to lay the corner-stone of the Lyceum 
building. 

" Respectfully yours, 

George Peabody." 

We extract the following from the town records, to show the manner 
in which the conditions mentioned above were complied with : — 



139 

" At a legal meeting of the inhabitants of the town of Danvers, 
qualified to vote in town affairs, holden at Union Hall, in the south parish 
in said town, on Monday, the 28th day of June, 1852. 

"The original communication from George Peabody, l'';sq.,was read 
by tlic Moderator. The following resolves, prepared and submitted by 
Dr. Andrew Nichols, were unanimously adopted : — 

" Resolred, That we, the legal voters of the town of Danvers, in legal 
meeting assembled, accept, with deep emotions of gratitude, the munifi- 
cent gift of George Peabody, Esq., of London, of twenty thousand 
DOLLARS, for the promotion of knowledge and morality among us ; and 
we, with due sense of its importance to ourselves and to those who 
are to succeed us, accept the offered trust, and bind ourselves faithfully, 
ardently, and constantly to endeavor to fulfil the wishes and accomplish 
the noble purpose of the generous donor, and to enjoin on our successors 
a like performance of the same sacred duty. 

" Resolved., That we now proceed to the choice of a Committee of 
twelve persons, to receive and have in charge the said donation, for the 
purpose of establishing a Lyceum, for the delivery of lectures uj)on such 
subjects, exclusive of sectarian theology and parti/ politics, as may be 
designated by a Committee of the town, free to all the inhabitants, un- 
der such rules as said Committee may from time to time enact ; and to 
establish a Library, which shall also be free to the inhabitants, under the 
direction of the Committee. 

" Resolved, That the members of said Committee shall exercise all 
the authority and perform all the duties contemplated by the donor, and 
shall hold ofHce by the following tenure; viz., two of the twelve shall 
hold office until the annual meeting in 1858 ; two until 1857 ; two until 
1856; two until 1855; two until 1854; two until 1853; or, in all 
cases, until others shall be chosen and accept the trust in their stead. 
And it shall be the duty of said Committee, as soon as may be after 
their organization, to determine, either by agreement or by lot, who of 
this number shall hold the office for the several times named, and com- 
municate the same to the Clerk of the town, whose duty it shall be to 
enter the same on the records. And it shall be the duty of the Select- 
men to order, in every warrant for the annual town meeting hereafter, 
tlie inhabitants to choose or give in their votes for two persons, to 
become members of said Conmiittec for the term of six years, in the 
place of those whose term of ofilce at that time expires, and to fill all 
vacancies caused by death, resignation, or removal from the town. 

" Resolved, That the aforesaid Committee of Trustees appoint an- 
Dually, from the citizens of the town at large, another Committee, who 
shall select books for the library, designate the subjects for lectures, 
procure lecturers, enact rules and regulations, both in regard to the lec- 
tures and the library, and perform all such other duties as the Commit- 
tee shall assign to them ; and they shall make a full report of all their 
doings to the Trustees semi-annually; viz., on or before the second 
Monday in February and August. 

" Resolved, That the Committee of Trustees be also required to 
make a full report of their own doings, and the doings of the Commit- 
tee by them appointed, at the annual town meeting, previous to the 
choice of members of said Committee above provided for. 



140 

" Resolved, That it shall be the duty of said Committee to corre- 
spond with the benevolent donor while he lives, and, in all their doings, 
pay all due regard to his expressed wishes. 

" On motion made, it was also voted, — 

" That the institution established by this donation be called and 
known as the PEABODY INSTITUTE, and that this name be in- 
scribed, in legible characters, upon the front of the building to be 
erected, that, in future years, our children may be reminded of their 
fathers' benefactor, and that strangers may read the name of him whom 
Danvers will always be proud to claim as her son. 

" That our venerable and respected fellow-citizen, Capt. Sylvester 
Proctor, be invited, in behalf of the town, and in accordance whh the 
special request of his early and constant friend, Mr. Peabody, to assist 
in laying the corner-stone of the proposed edifice. 

" That the Board of Trustees, chosen this day, forward a certified 
copy of the proceedings of this meeting to Mr. Peabody." 

The following gentlemen were then elected Trustees, by ballot : — 

R. S. Daniels, Francis Baker, 

E. W. Upton, Eben Sutton, 

S. P. Fowler, W. L. Weston, 

Joseph Osgood, Joseph Poor, 

Miles Osborn, A. F. Clark, 

Eben King, Joseph S. Black. 

The proceedings of the town, having been transmitted to Mr. Pea- 
body, received his approval. The officers of the Institute, therefore, 
are a Board of Trustees chosen by the town, in whom are vested its 
funds and other property, for the purpose of maintaining a Lyceum 
and Library ; and another Board, chosen annually by the Trustees, 
called the Lyceum and Library Committee, whose duties are to super- 
intend and direct all its active operations. 

Mr. Peabody afterwards added ten thousand dollars to his first 
donation; the whole to be so expended, that seventeen thousand dollars 
should be appropriated for the land and building, three thousand to 
the purchase of books, as the foundation of a Library, and ten thou- 
sand to remain as a permanent fund. Further donations have since 
been received, swelling the aggregate of Mr. Peabody's gifts to the 
Institute to an amount exceeding fifty thousand dollars. 

The difficulty of procuring a suitable lot of land, within the pre- 
scribed distance from the meeting-house, caused some delay in the 
erection of the building. But at length a site was selected on Main 
Street ; and the corner-stone of the new structure was laid, with ap- 
propriate ceremonies, on the 20th of August, 1853, — Hon. Abbott 



141 

Lawrence, an intimate friend of Mr. Peabody, performing the part 
assigned to Capt. Sylvester Proctor, who liad deceased. The buihUng 
was finished in the course of the following year, and dedicated to its 
future uses on the 29th of September, 1854. Hon. Rufus Choate 
delivered an eloquent address on that occasion. 

It is a stately edifice, eighty-two feet in length by fifty in breadth, 
built of brick, and ornamented with brown Connecticut freestone. 
On its front, a slab of freestone bears the words, PEABODY INSTI- 
TUTE, in relief. The Lecture Hall, occupying the whole of the up- 
per story, is finished with neatness and simplicity, and is furnished 
with seats for about seven hundred and fifty persons. Over the ros- 
trum hangs a full-length portrait of Mr. Peabody, by Healy, which 
has been pronounced by connoisseurs to be a chef cfceuvre of that 
artist. It was set for by him at the request of the citizens of the 
town, but, at its completion, was presented to them. The Library 
Room, in the lower story, is commodiously arranged for the delivery 
of books. The shelves for books are placed around the walls of the 
room ; but, by the addition of alcoves, its capacity can be greatly 
increased. 

Courses of lectures have been delivered in the Lyceum Hall, to 
large and attentive audiences. The situation of Danvers,* within an 
hour's ride, by railroad, of the metropolis, is highly favorable for 
availing herself of the best talent in this field of literary labor. 

This department of the Institute formed a prominent feature of it 
in the design of its founder, and, we think, deservedly so. Indeed, 
this method of conveying knowledge, in connection with the common 
school and higher seminaries of learning, must now be ranked among 
the principal educational appliances peculiar to the social system of 
New England. The success of the Lowell Institute in Boston, and 
other similar institutions, abundantly attest the truth of this remark. 
The efibrts which have of late been made to present, by means of 
series of lectures, the outlines of science to the public, have met the 
approbation of all friends of learning. DoubUess the ardor of youth 
is often thus incited to efforts which may lead to future distinction. 



* By an Act of the Legislature, passed May 18, 185.5, lliat part of the town in 
which the Peabody Institute is located was incorporated as a new town, by tlie name 
of South Danvers ; but the privileges of the Institute will continue to be enjoyed by 
all witliin the limits of tlie former town of Danvers. By a more recent enactment 
a part of South Danvers has been annexed to Salem by an exchange of territory, 
yet the privileges of the Institute will be continued to all those residing witiiin the 
limits of the ancient town, as well as those who reside on the territory annexed to 
South Danvers. 



142 

The greatest minds of our country have not thouglit it beneath their 
dignity thus to lend their aid in infusing a spirit of self-cuUurc among 
the people. 

The attention of the Lyceum and Library Committee was early 
directed to the formation of a Library. The selection of books, pre- 
liminary to an extended purchase, was found to be a work of no small 
difficulty; for, while they appreciated the im[)ortance of laying a broad 
foundation, they also felt it to be their duty to render the Library not 
only '■'■ free to the inhabitants," but truly useful to all the citizens. In 
forming lists, therefore, under the general heads of science, history, 
belles-lettres, &c., they gave the preference rather to such works as 
they believed would meet the wants of the reading community, than 
to those more elaborate productions which arc better calculated to aid 
the extended researches of the scholar; trusting that the Library 
would, by future accessions, gradually arrive at that symmetry and 
completeness so desirable to be attained. Pursuing this plan, the 
Committee were relieved from much embarrassment, and were enabled 
to prosecute their labor with so much success, that, as soon as the 
Library Room was ready to receive them, about 1500 volumes had 
been prepared to be placed upon its shelves. 

In December, 1854, a donation of books was unexpectedly received 
from Mr. Peabody, — affording a new proof of his generosity, and his 
continuing interest in the Institution that bears his name. These 
books, in all about 2,500 volumes, were selected by his order, in 
London, by Mr. Henry Stevens, agent of the Smithsonian Institute. 
They comprise many valuable and even rare works ; among which 
may be mentioned the " Philosophical Transactions of the Royal So- 
ciety," and a complete set of the " Gentleman's Magazine." Subse- 
quent additions to the Library, by purchase and by gift, have increased 
the number of volumes to above 5,300 ; of the latter, about 250 vol- 
umes were received from the Mechanic Institute, — an association that 
had existed in the town since 1811, and had itself been preceded by 
the Lyceum Society. 

The Library has been open for the delivery of books about two 
years, with the most gratifying result. During library hours, which 
at present are the afternoon and evening of Wednesday and Saturday, 
the room has been thronged with eager applicants ; and their choice of 
works is, in general, highly creditable to their literary taste. It ap- 
pears from the Ledger, that, during this period, commencing October 
18, 1854, 1,772 persons have availed themselves of its privileges; and 



143 

(hat, during four months of this time, tho number of volumes taken 
was 11,866, — an average of 319 eacli Library day. For the success 
of this department of the Institute, much credit is (hie to the efibrts of 
Mr. Eugene B. Hinckley, the recent Librarian, by whom the Cata- 
logue was complied. The regulations concerning the distribution of 
books arc as few and simple as is consistent with their safety and 
prompt return; and, although the I'ules in regard to delinquents have 
been rigidly adhered to, it has seldom been necessary to put them in 
force. 

Such, in brief, is the history of the establishment of this Institution 
in our midst ; and, henceforth, we trust that the Pkabody Institute 
will exert an imj)ortant influence in the cause of education. 



TRUSTEES— 1856-7. 

Robert S. Daniels, Chairman. 

John B. Peabody, Clerk. 

Eben Sutton, Treasurer. 

Joseph Osgood. Henry Poor. 

Samuel P. Fowler. Joel Putnam. 

Franklin Osborn. Philemon Putnam. 

Isaac Hardy, Jr. Francis Dane. 

Israel W. Andrews. 



LYCEUM AND LIBRARY COMMITTEE— 1856-7. 

Alfred A. Abbott, Chairman. 

George F. Osborne, Secretary. 

George A. Osborne, Treasurer. 

Fitch Poole. Eugene B. Hincklet. 

Eben S. Poor. Benjamin C. Perkins. 

Eben Hunt. Francis Baker. 

William L. Weston. Moses Black, Jb. 

Thomas M. Stimpson. 

Fitch Poole, Librarian. 



144 



PAST AND PRESENT MEMBERS OF TEIE BOARD OF 
TRUSTEES, 

With the Term for which each was Elected. 



Eben King, 
Joseph S. Black, 
William L. Weston, 
Aakon F. Clark, 
Francis Baker, 
Joseph Poor, 
Elijah W. Upton, 
Miles Osborn, 
Joseph Osgood, 
Eben Sutton, 



1852-1853. 
1852-1853. 
1852-1854. 
1852-1854. 
1852-1855. 
1852-1855. 
1852-1856. 
1852-1856. 
1852-1857. 
1852-1857. 



Robert S. Daniels, 
Samuel P. Fowler, 
Henry Poor, 
Joel Putnam, 
Philemon Putnam, 
John B. Peabody, 
Francis Dane, 
Israel W. Andrews, 
Franklin Osborn, 
Isaac Hardy, Jr., 



1852-1858. 
1852-1858. 
1853-1859. 
1853-1859. 
1854-1860. 
1854-1861. 
1855-1860. 
1855-1861. 
1856-1862. 
1856-1862. 



MEMBERS OF THE LYCEUM AND LIBRARY COMMITTEE, 

"With the time of their Continuance in OflSce. 



Andrew Nichols,* 
Fitch Poole, 
George A. Osborne, 
Benjamin C. Perkins, 
Eben Hunt, 
John B. Peabody, 
William N. Lord, 
Eben S. Poor, 
William L. Weston, 
Alfred A. Abbott, 



1853. 

1853-1856. 

1853-1856. 

1853. 

1853-1856. 

1853. 

1853-1854. 

1853-1856. 

1853-1856. 

1853-1856. 



Philemon Putnam, 1853-1854. 
Eugene B. PIinkley, 1853-1856. 
William F. Poole, 1853-1853. 
Nathan H. Poor, 1854-1855. 
George F. Osborne, 1854-1856. 
Benjamin C.PERKiNS,tl855-1856. 
Thomas B. Hinkley, 1855. 
Thomas M. Stimpson, 1855-1856, 
Francis Baker, 1856. 

Moses Black, Jr., 1856. 



* Deceased in 1853. 



Reelect. 



145 



DONORS AND DONATIONS OF BOOKS, 

EXCLUSIVE OF PAMPHLETS, 

TO THE PEABODY LIBRARY 



Allen, Lewis, .... 

Amherst College, .... 
Bache, Professor A. D., Washington, 
Banks, Nathaniel P., Jr., Waltham, . 
Gary, Thomas G., Boston, 
Cook, Henry, . 
Cutler, William, 
Danvers, Town of, . 
Danvers Mechanic Institute, 
Essex Institute, Salem, 
Fay, Francis B., Chelsea, 
Flint, Charles L., Boston, 
Gooch, Charles C, London, 
Hinklcy, Eugene B., 
Jacobs, Joseph, 
Lakeman, Nathan, . 
Lawrence, Samuel, Boston, 
Lawrence, James, Boston, 
Lynn Library, Lynn, 
Massachusetts, State of, . 
Maury, Lieut. James, Washington, 
Mercanlile Library, Boston, 
Middlesex Mechanic Association, Lowell, 
Nichols, Mrs. Andrew, 
Northend, Charles, New Britain, Conn., 
Osborne, George A., 
Paine, Marty n. New York, 
Peabody, George, London, 
Phillips, Alonzo P., 
10 



Vols. 

16 
1 
2 

23 
1 

16 

4 

110 

245 

1 

12 
1 
7 
2 
5 
9 
1 
1 
2 
6 
2 
1 
1 

14 

18 

14 

7 

2504 

5 



146 



Poole, William F., Boston, 

Poole, Leonard, 

Poole, Fitch, . 

Poole, Theodore, 

Poor, Ebcn. S., 

Proctor, John W., . 

Providence Athenaeum, 

Roy, W. L., . 

Salem Athenaeum, . 

Single Blessedness, Author of, 

Shillaber, Benjamin P., Chelsea, 

Smithsonian Institute, Washington, 

Teague, John H., . 

Towne, Amos P., . 

Llpham, Charles W., Salem, 

Whitney, Henry A., Boston, 

Wright, E. M., 



Vols. 

8 

1 
37 

5 

3 

3 

1 
11 

1 

1 

2 

4 

1 

1 

1 

1 

3 



147 



THE LAYING OF THE CORNER-STONE. 



The Corner-Stone of the edifice designed for the Peabody Institute 
was laid on Saturday afternoon, August 20, 1853. The occasion was 
one of great interest, and its observance was due to its distinguished 
Founder, making a marked era in our local history. 

The weather was exceedingly favorable, and a great number of peo- 
ple were present to witness the proceedings, among whom were many 
ladies, and distinguished gentlemen from Boston, Salem, and adjoining 
towns. The guests from abroad were handsomely entertained at the 
residence of Eben Sutton, Esq., which is in the immediate vicinity of 
the Institute grounds. 

At 4 o'clock the exercises commenced, under direction of the 
President of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Robert S. Daniels, the Com- 
mittee and guests occupying a raised platform, and a band of music 
being in attendance added an enlivening interest to the occasion. 

Mr. Daniels called the assembly to order, and opened the proceed- 
ings by the following remarks: — 

MR. DANIELS' REMARKS. 

Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

We have assembled here to-day for the purpose of laying the corner- 
stone of a building about to be erected on this spot, for the promotion 
of objects of deep interest to every good citizen. The noble generosi- 
ty of George Peabody, who is proud to claim Danvcrs as the home of 
his ancestors and the place of his nativity, has brought us together at 
this time. lie is now a distinguished and honored resident of the me- 
tropolis of the world. Mr. Peabody made his donation to the inhabit- 
ants of his native town, for the promotion of knowledge and morality 
among them. He considers it a debt due from the present to future 
'fenerations. These are high and noble views and objects. It is hon- 
orable to him, and if rightly improved, must be a great blessing to us, 
and those who come after us. It is our duty, my friends, to see that 
the Institution to be here established is fairly and honorably com- 



148 

menced ; that all the trusts committed to us are executed with fidelity, 
and in the most perfect good faith. Let the present generation leave 
everything connected with this Institution in full and vigorous growth ; 
let us do our duty conscientiously, and trust to an impartial posterity 
for an approval. 

Before proceeding in the ceremonies, it is proper that we should 
invoke the blessing of God upon our undertaking. 

An appropriate prayer was addressed to Almighty God, by the Rev. 
Milton P. Braman. 

The Hon. Alfred A. Abbott was then introduced, and delivered the 
following address, prepared for the occasion, in the most eloquent and 
happy manner : — 

MR. ABBOTT'S ADDRESS. 

Fellow-Citizens : — 

By the solicitations of the Board of Trustees of the Peabody Dona- 
tion, I have been persuaded to assume a task which more properly 
devolved upon, and should have been performed by, some other one of 
your number. We have met here to-day, under the smiles of this 
summer sun, to signalize an event, not, perhaps, of wide and general 
interest, but certainly worthy of commemoration in our local annals. 

On the 16th day of June, 1852, during the closing ceremonies of the 
celebration of the centenary of Danvers as an independent municipali- 
ty, a communication was received from Mr. George Peabody of Lon- 
don, a native of this town, enclosing this sentiment — " Education : a 
debt due from present to future generations," — and with it a tender of 
the sum of twenty thousand dollars, for founding here, in the place of 
his birth and his early home, a lyceum and library, an institution which 
should be free to all the inhabitants, for the constant and lasting pro- 
motion among them of knowledge and morality. This munificent do- 
nation, afterwards increased by the receipt of ten thousand dollars more 
from the same source, was, by the corporate action of the town, grate- 
fully accepted, and placed in the hands of trustees, to be by them in- 
vested and used in accordance with the wishes of the donor. In fulfil- 
ment of their trust they have selected this site, — and here, upon this 
pleasant spot, they are now proceeding to rear an imposing structure, 
which shall be to our children, and our children's children, a monu- 
ment to him whose name it is to bear, — a memorial worthy and appro- 
priate, if it shall but faithfully subserve his high aims and noble pur- 
poses. 



149 

In laying the corner-stone of the proposed edifice, a circumstance 
recognized by custom as the commencement of sucl\ an enterprise as 
this, the trustees have thought it well that there should be some slitrht 
observance, — some little ceremony, however humble, to mark our in- 
terest in the occasion, and which, while it shall be a public recognition 
of gratitude to our kind benefactor, shall also serve as an equally pub- 
lic pledge of our determination to cooperate in promoting the great 
object of his noble benefaction. 4 

And now, fellow-citizens, in the simple statement which I have made 
is comprehended the whole purpose of our assembling together, tfcre, 
perhaps, I ought to stop, for should I speak further, not a person is there 
present who has not anticipated the theme of my remarks. " Who is 
this man, until recently a stranger to most of this living generation, and 
dwelling in a foreign land, who is this man who has done this act ? 
How lofty are his motives, and how vitally important the end he has in 
view !" This question, and this or such an exclamation, embody the 
thoughts which must be uppermost in every mind, and which form the 
natural and fitting topics of the occasion. Upon neither of them shall 
I dwell but for a moment ; certainly I need not upon the first. The 
character and history of Mr. Peabody have, by the natural course of 
things, become so familiar to us within the last year, that, like his 
name, they have almost come to be household property. How^ nearly 
threescore years ago, " in a ver.y humble house in this then quiet vil- 
lage, he was born, the son of respectable parents, but in humble cir- 
cumstances," — liow^ " from the common schools of the parish, such as 
they were from 1803 to 1807," to use his own simple words, " he ob- 
tained the limited education his parents' means could afford, but to the 
principles then inculcated owing much of the foundation for such suc- 
cess as heaven has been pleased to grant him during a long business 
life," — hoii}^ at the early age of eleven years, in the humble capacity 
of a grocer's boy, in a shop hard by where we now stand, he com- 
menced his life of earnest but successful toil — liow^ four years after, 
having sought promotion in another sphere, he found himself, by his 
father's death and his brother's misfortunes, an orphan, without means, 
without employment, without friends, and all in the most gloomy 
times, but Aow, buoyed up by firm resolve and a high endeavor, he 
turned his back upon the endeared but now desolate scenes of his boy- 
hood, and sought under a southern sun those smiles of fortune denied 
him by the frowning skies of his northern home — how^ there in George- 
town, in the District of Columbia, he became while not yet nineteen 



150 

years old, such was his capacity and fidelity, partner in a respectable 
firm, which afterwards removed to Baltimore and had branches estab- 
lished in two or three of our principal cities, and how, at length become 
the head of his house, and having crossed and recrossed the ocean 
many times in the transaction of his foreign business, he at last, in 
1847, established himself permanently in London, having now created 
an immense business and amassed a princely fortune, — how, through 
ali this career from poverty to opulence, that simple heart and kindly 
nature which in youth divided with his orphan brothers and sisters the 
scanty earnings of his toil, and in later and more prosperous days ex- 
panded in social amenities and timely charities to his countrymen in a 
strange land, how this true nature remained ever the same, untainted 
by that proud success which too often corrupts, mellowed only by those 
growing years which seldom fail to blunt our finer sensibilities — and 
lastly, Ao70, while with a private life above reproach, and a professional 
character distinguished even among the merchant princes of England, 
he had come to be pointed out, both at home and abroad, as the model 
of a man and a merchant, how, all this time, his heart fondly turned to 
his native country, and hoio, true to her interests and her honor, in the 
darkest hour of her adversity, he stood up manfully in her defence, and 
throwing patriotism, energy and capital into the breach, sustained her 
credit, vindicated her good name, and won the gratitude and received 
the thanks of sovereign states, — all this, fellow-citizens, is but the out- 
line of a portraiture, and a grouping of some incidents in a sketch which 
I will not fill up, because recent events have spread before you the de- 
tails and drawn the picture with colors of light. Were any apologj'^ 
needed for not proceeding further, I find it in the presence here of one, 
[Hon. Abbott Lawrence,] who, both by business and social relations, 
must have been brought into close and friendly intimacy with Mr. Pea- 
body, and from whom I indulge the hope that we may hear a word to- 
day. You cannot, fellow-citizens, mistake my allusion to him who was 
so lately our minister to the Court of St. James, who, if he will pardon 
me, himself presents another of the happiest illustrations of the highest 
type of our national character, — who, ulso the architect of his own am- 
ple fortune, built up by a series of enterprises, which while enriching 
him have blessed others, and reared up as by magic a thriving city 
upon the banks of our beautiful Merrimac, has crowned his active life 
by services for the State, which have earned him gratitude and won 
him fame. I trust that while kindly consenting to perform a ceremo- 
nial act, he will not refuse to indulge us with a few words of him 



151 

whom he must be proud to call his friend, and whom we shall ever 
recognize as our generous benefactor. 

Upon the other topic which was suggested I forbear even to enter. 
A. consideration of the motives which actuated Mr. Peabody in his 
present gift is a subject so interesting and a field so wide that the 
casual glance, which would be all this occasion could allow, would 
altogether fail to grasp its merits or even to discover its proportions. 
Somewhat, it may be, of pious feeling of a debt due. — somewhat of 
tender and long cherished affection for the spot of his nativity — some- 
what of the sweet memories and hallowed associations of early days, 
of dear remembrances of youthful friends and buried love — much, in- 
deed, of all this may have moved his heart ; but his strong, good' sense 
and intelligent 77iind took hold upon something and was moved by causes 
more potent than mere sentiment. Fie thought and reflected upon that 
which is agitating the minds of thinking men everywhere, alike in the 
calm contemplation of the looker-on abroad, alike in the excited, glow- 
ing life of the citizen at home — that here and now was being solved the 
great problem of the age, and of all ages — that here, upon this vast 
theatre and beneath the arching skies of this new world, was being tested 
the last great experiment of self-government — that this expanding, swel- 
ling empire has for its only basis the intelligence and morality of the 
people — and that, unless knowledge and virtue follow in the path of our 
national progress, and keep step with its wonderful march, the toils of 
our fathers and the hopes of their sons will prove alike in vain, and our 
dreams of future glory, vanishing 

" Like the baseless fabric of a vision, 
Leave not a rack behind." 

And this, fellow-citizens, is the true teaching of that sentiment, this 
the lesson which comes hidden in that gift — and which, would we but 
learn it ourselves and proclaim it to others, might prove more precious 
than silver or gold, or untold treasure. This day, then, imposes upon 
us new responsibility ; this added privilege summons us to higher duties. 
Bound by fresh obligations to our homes and our vicinage, we are also 
reminded that we form a part of one great country, dear to all hearts, 
and that, our little pebble cast upon the waters, its quiet influence may 
ripple to the furthest shore. We may do but little directly ; indirectly 
we can accomplish much. As every State in the Union acts upon every 
other, for good or for evil, in proportion to its comparative moral and 
intellectual growth, so every town acts upon the State, — and thus every 
man, acting, through his fellows, upon the town and so upon the State, 



152 

is felt ut last Lipon the destinies of the whole republic. Thus the honest 
farmer who here tills his narrow acres, and the industrious mechanic 
who plies his humble trade, but who rear up their children in the fear 
of God, the love of knowledge, and in obedience to law, may not only 
secure the happiness of his village fireside and the prosperity of his 
beloved Commonwealth, but be planting seeds which shall germinate 
upon the banks of the great rivers of the West and along the shores of 
the Pacific, in a harvest richer and dearer than yellow grain or golden 
sands. 

And now, fellowTcitizcns, while we lay deep and broad the foundations 
of this institution, already consecrated to God in prayer, let us also 
dedi<iatc it to the noble objects of its founder. As the stately edifice 
rises in strength and beauty, let our new-formed purposes for the ad- 
vancement of mind and morals, warm and ripen into firm resolve and 
living action. And when it shall have been completed, and we and our 
children shall reap the benefits and enjoy the blessings of this pious and 
patriotic gift, — as in after years we shall repair hither at the quiet close 
of the summer's day, to refresh our minds with the treasures of study 
and the delights of learning, or gather here in the long evenings of our 
northern winter, to seek the truths of science, and catch from eloquent 
lips the lessons of knowledge and wisdom, — let us, and those who come 
after us, ever remember that we are but members of one great family, 
ruled over by one good God, in whose mysterious providence the hum- 
blest one of us may benefit and bless the whole universe of man. 

The Chairman then introduced the Hon. Abbott Lawrence in the 
following remarks : — 

Ladies and Gentlemen : 

It is with great pleasure I announce to the audience that the Hon. 
Abbott Lawrence of Boston, whose private worth and public services 
must be familiar to all, has consented, at Mr. Peabody's request and our 
earnest solicitation, to lay the corner-stone. 

Mr. Lawrence, having advanced to the front of the platform, spoke 
as follows : 










o- 

CO 



153 



SPEECH OF HON. ABBOTT LAWRENCE. 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

I am here to-day by invitation of the Committee of tliis Institution, 
and at the urgent request of some of my friends, and also of Mr. George 
Peabody, whom I am proud to say I have the privilege of calling my 
friend. [Applause.] 

My first duty, sir, is to present my acknowledgments and thanks to 
the Hon. gentleman who has addressed us on this occasion, (Mr. Abbott.) 
I feel most deeply the kind words he has spoken, and the expressions 
which he was kind enough to use as applying to me personally. 

Ladies and gentlemen, this is no ordinary occasion, and it is no 
ordinary audience which I address. 1 am here in a town which has 
given birth to a great number of distinguished men. I am here in thait 
town where the immortal Gen. Israel Putnam was born. I am not un- 
mindful, also, that another revolutionary individual, Judge Ilolten, was 
a native of the town of Danvers, and I remember well that most extra- 
ordinary man, who lived to a great age, Gen. Gideon Foster of Dan- 
vers. I also knew a civilian — a jurist of distinction, who has lately 
deceased — Judge Putnam. And I should do injustice to myself, and the 
sweet memories I entertain, if I were to omit another individual, who 
has lately passed away, the Hon. Daniel P. King, who was a friend of 
mine for many, many years. [Applause.] 

I will not dwell longer upon names, because I know that this town 
was the cradle of the revolution. I know that our country is indebted 
to the town of Danvers for many of the most distinguished men she 
had at that time. But I am happy to say that I am now addressing the 
descendants of those men who achieved our nation's independence. 
[Cheers.] 

Sir, I before remarked to you that I came here as the representative 
of Mr. George Peabody ; and upon that it may generally be asked how 
Mr. Peabody achieved so much good for his country. I know him well. 
I have known him for many years. I have seen him day by day, month 
after month, and year after year, and for the benefit of the younger 
portions of this audience, I will tell you how he has achieved all that 
has been so eloquently portrayed by the Hon. gentleman who preceded 
me. In the first place, nature gave him a good constitution and a sound 
mind ; secondly, he is a man of indomitable moral courage ; thirdly, 
he has patience, perseverance, industry, and, above all, the strictest 
integrity. [Applause.] 



154 

Ladies and gentlemen, I know him well, and I can say, here in the 
face of this summer's sun and this audience, that I deem Mr. George 
Peabody the very soul of honor, and that is the foundation of his suc- 
cess. Those traits of character I have mentioned — this integrity of 
purpose and determination — have given him all the success he has 
achieved. [Renewed applause.] 

Sir, he deserves all, all that has been so eloquently expressed by the 
Hon. gentleman who preceded me. He deserves all this commenda- 
rion, and language is hardly strong enough, in my opinion, to convey to 
you, his fellow-townsmen, the excellent traits of the character of Mr. 
George Peabody. I have mentioned to you the names of several dis- 
tinguished individuals who were born and brought up in this good town 
o^ Danvers ; they have left names behind them that will last as long as 
patriotism, honor, and virtue is considered or remembered in the world ; 
but none will go down to posterity with more honor, more love, or more 
of that which ennobles man, than the name of Mr. George Peabody. 
t Applause.] 

Sir, I wish he were here to-day. I am sure he will be gratified when 
he learns all the interest that has been taken by the people of Danvers 
and its neighborhood, in laying the corner-stone of an institution which 
bids fair to do more for future good than, perhaps, any other institution 
in this town or its neighborhood. 

Sir, I feel a deep interest in this institution. In all the movements, 
not only in our own New England, but elsewhere in our favored country, 
upon the subject of education, I rejoice. I rejoice that so much has been 
done ; but, let me say, a great deal more remains to be accomplished. 
We have a great labor yet to perform. We live in a country increasing in 
the numbers of its people at the rate of a million a year! And our 
only security for the preservation of our freedom and our republican 
institutions is, to educate the people. Not only let there be education, 
but let it be universal — a universal education of the people — and this is 
the purpose of the institution whose foundation-stone we are called upon 
to place to-day. It is one of the germs of this universal education. 
[Cheers.] 

Sir, I will task your patience no longer at this time. We have among 
us one of our great and accomplished orators, all ready to make a speech, 
besides two mayors and one or two members of Congress, all of whom 
I should be most happy to hear. [Loud applause.] 



155 

Mr. Lawrence was then conducted by the Chairman of the Buildin<T 
Committee to tlie northwest angle of the edifice, where the corner-stone 
was didy laid ; in tlie performance of which ceremony Mr. Lawrence 
spoke as follows : — 

Mr. Chairman : 

I now proceed to lay the foundation-stone of an institution, which 1 
trust may be as permanent as the granite of which it is composed. 1 
lay the stone in the hope and belief that the building which is to be 
erected will always be appropriated to die diffusion of knowledge among 
the whole people — founded upon the principles of true religion, drawn 
solely from the Bible. I beg to say, especially for the benefit of the 
younger portion of this great assembly, that, from my own observation 
and experience, which have not been small, the only safe chart of 
human life will be found in the Holy Scriptures — and to you, my young 
friends, I would recommend on all occasions, and in every position of 
life, to study the Bible. 

Sir, allow me stdl further to express a hope, that this edifice may 
never be desecrated to purposes of religious controversy or political 
wrangling, but may ever be held sacred to the promotion of those great 
principles, which were so nobly maintained by your forefathers, — liter- 
ature, art, science, and public liberty — always to be regulated by law. 

No human institution can be permanently prosperous without the 
blessing of Divine Providence, and I therefore invoke the blessing of 
the Almighty upon this institution, its founder, and the inhabitants of the 
town of Danvers. 

The company then returned to the platform, where the Chairman 
introduced his Honor Benjamin Seaver, Mayor of Boston, by a happy 
allusion to the various charitable, literary, and scientific institutions of 
Boston. 

SPEECH OF HON. BENJAMIN SEAVER. 

Mr. Chairman : — 

I thank you, sir, and the gentlemen of the committee, for liaving 
done me the honor to invite me to attend at the ceremonial of this day. 
I esteem it a high privilege to be here, and I congratulate you and the 
committee, as well as the inhabitants of this town, upon the magnifi- 
cent donation it has received. It is honorable to them, sir, and it does 
honor to the distinguished individual of wliose generosity they are the 
recipients, that such a multitude has assembled to testify their appreci- 
ation of its value. 



156 

Sir, it would seem out of place for me to say a word on this occa- 
sion, were it not for the high consideration of what it is that makes 
New England honorable and prosperous, at home and abroad, — that it 
is not her numbers that gives her consideration, but that knowledge 
alone is the power of New England. [Cheers.] Sir, I regard this 
occasion as one that adds to those means which have given to New 
England her knowledge, and her consequent power, and honor, and 
prosperity. [Applause."] 

The distinguished gentleman whom it is the happy privilege of the 
town of Danvers to call a native citizen, has contributed very much 
not only to the prosperity of your own town, but to that of the city 
which I have the honor to represent on this occasion, and to the whole 
of New England. Sir, you have done but justice to the city of Boston 
in the remarks you have made complimentary to her institutions. We 
are now about to establish a public library there, as you are well aware, 
by the munificence of one of our own citizens, who has also lived in the 
/jity of London, and enjoyed its honors and an unusual degree of pros- 
perity, and, amid all these honors and all this prosperity, has not for- 
gotten the period when he was a poor apprentice boy in Boston. Sir, 
I wish I was at liberty to read a private letter from that distinguished 
gentleman, Joshua Bates, Esq., of London. He would be elevated 
still more in your estimation, and in the estimation of all who know 
him. That gentleman, I may be permitted to say, did not forget his 
^)nce humble position. He had, as my friend has said of Mr. Pcabody, 
a good constitution and a sound mind, and, above everything else, as 
an element of success everywhere, he was endowed with honor and 
integrity of character. 

But, Mr. Chairman, it would not become me, after all that has been 
so eloquently and properly said in praise of your distinguished bene- 
factor, to add a single word, except to express a wish, in which I know 
that every one who hears me, and those who cannot hear me, will join 
with all their hearts. It is — Health, long life, happiness, and troops of 
friends, to George Peabody, Esq. [Loud cheers.] 

The Chairman then introduced Hon. Asahel Huntington, Mayor of 
Salem, as follows : — 

Old Mother Salem, who is ever ready to give good counsel and 
advice to all her children, is represented here by her excellent Mayor, 
Hon. Mr. Huntington. 



157 



MAYOR HUNTINGTON'S SPEECH. 

Mr. Chairman : — 

I feel greatly obliged, sir, for the privilege of being present upon 
this most interesting occasion, and that you have seen fit to call upon 
me, as the representative of our ancient and neighboring city of Naum- 
keag, of which Danvers is the first-born daughter, ever to be known 
and honored, especially in the character, principles, purposes, and 
objects of her distinguished son, — ever to be known, sir, and honored 
throughout the civilized world, — George Peabody, the founder of a 
great popular institution ; an institution that is to shed abroad, through 
all coming generations, knowledge, virtue, and morality ; an institution 
that is to confer countless blessings upon this his native town, which he 
remembers abroad, in the great commercial metropolis of the world. 
Honored, as he is, among merchant princes, yet, sir, it does him still 
higher honor that he remembers that little village school-house, and 
that meeting-house in its neighborhood, where the Rev. Mr. Walker 
ministered in the days of his youth, and sends a princely donation to 
be the foundation and the means of rearing here this great popular 
seminary of learning for his own townsmen through all coming time. 
[Applause.] 

I come here with great pleasure, at the invitation of the trustees of 
this institution, to testify, with many of my fellow-citizens, to the deep 
interest we feel in this occasion, and the objects of this assembly. We 
trust, sir, that the purposes and aims of the founder of this institution 
may be accomplished, in the increased diffusion of learning and mo- 
rality among the people of this town, his native place, to the end of 
time. [Applause.] 

The Chairman next introduced the Hon. George S. Hillard, of Bos- 
ton, who spoke as follows : — 

MR. HILLARirS SPEECH. 

Mr. Chairuan, Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

I am wholly unprepared to address you at this time. I have not a 
speech, either in my head or in my pocket. Indeed, I do not know 
upon what grounds those who have called me out upon this occasion 
can justify their conduct, either to their consciences or to their sense of 
honor. [Laughter.] I am not here in any official capacity. I am, it 
is true, a citizen of no mean city ; but I am the mayor of nothing 



158 

[renewed laughter] ; nor can I claim to be a citizen of your good town 
of Danvers, as is, doubtless, well known to all of you ; nor can I even 
fall back upon the last ground of all, — of being a friend of Mr. Pea- 
body, for it is my misfortune not to be personally acquainted with that 
gentleman. I am here simply as a Massachusetts man ; nay, more : 
as a man in obedience to that noblest sentiment of the Latin poet, the 
nearest approach to a Chi'istian sentiment ever uttered by a heathen 
writer, — " I am a man, and I feel myself interested in everything that 
relates to humanity." [Cheers.] 

Sir, I consider that this occasion addresses itself to every man, 
simply as a member of the great human family. I am glad to be here 
to testify, so far, as an individual, I can do it, my appreciation of the 
honorable, noble, and commendable work your distinguished fellow- 
townsman has here this day done. From the moment I read in the 
papers Mr. Peabody's letter enclosing the donation, I felt a warming of 
the heart towards that gentleman, whom, I confess, I had never even 
.seen ; and not only that, but I also felt an interest in the town of Dan- 
vers. It seemed to me that, from that time, every foot of the town of 
Danvers had in it a new element of interest and attraction to every 
citizen of Massachusetts. [Applause.] 

But let me say that this munificent gift of your townsman imposes 
upon you a corresponding weight of duty and obligation. Your task 
will not have been performed when you have reared these stones one 
upon another, or when you may have filled your library shelves with 
books, the value of which consists alone in the judicious using of them. 
No. It demands from you a great, continuous, persevering, uninter- 
rupted effort. You should receive this gift, not merely with a grateful, 
but with a responsive, spint. You should remember that every dollar 
your townsman has put into this building is the representative of toil, 
of effort, of sacrifice, of the postponement of present enjoyment for 
future good, of a giving up of some pleasure, some allurement of case 
or indulgence ; and, surely, he asks of you that you should imitate 
this generous example in a like spirit. You arc not to fold your hands, 
but to work with him, and for the accomplishment of his aims. It 
becomes those among you who are educated, to give of your knowl- 
edge to the ignorant ; it becomes those among you who are rich, to 
give of your abundance to the poor ; it becomes you all to stretch forth 
a helping hand to the lowly, to the poor, and to the struggling, — to the 
poor boy who stands here upon your soil, as your townsman stood 
many years ago. In that spirit you may show your gratitude, and I 



159 

say this in the full assurance that you will meet this noble bounty in 
the mood of mind it deserves. I trust that every wish and every 
anticipation he may have formed, in his most sanguine moments, may 
be here more than realized. [Applause.] 

I hope the sunshine which now falls upon us from these covering 
heavens may be a symbolical sunshine, typifying the smiles of Heaven, 
which shall descend and rest upon this building, and all the influences 
which may go out from it. May it be a fountain of good influences, 
never becoming dry, and never slacking its copious streams. May it 
be a rill of happiness to coming generations, not imperceptible, not lost, 
but flowing harmoniously into that broad stream upon which our com- 
mon countiy is ever borne onward to prosperity, to happiness, and to 
glory. [Prolonged applause.] 

The Hon. Charles W. Upham, of Salem, was then called upon, and 
responded as follows : — 

MR. UPHAM'S SPEECH. 

Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

I yield to the call which has been made from the Chair, and venture 
to address you for a single moment. I have not been able to reach the 
rostrum before, and have lost very much of the eloquence with which 
you have been entertained this afternoon ; but 1 am ready to contribute 
my mite to that expression of public gratitude and admiration which 
has burst from the lips of these eloquent speakers, and been responded 
to by all your hearts. 

Fellow-citizens, I beg leave to express the sentiments which an 
humble individual of the neighboring city may be considered as justly 
authorized to entertain on this occasion. His Honor the Mayor — 
whom I municipally recognize as my father, the head of our city — 
has spoken in the name of that city. A year ago 1 occupied the sta- 
tion which he now honors, and he was then one of my children, and I 
was municipally his father. Now, therefore, T may consider myself 
as clothed with a still higher grade, — as one of the grandfathers of the 
city of Salem. [Laughter.] As such, I am happy to speak the sen- 
timents of the city of Salem. You are " bone of our bone, and flesh 
of our flesh ; " and you have always been, men and women of Dan- 
vers, spirit of our spirits, and heart of our hearts. [Cheers.] In the 
earliest periods of the settlement and history of the colony, Danvers 
was recognized as a beautiful, noble, and hopeful offspring of old 



160 

Salem ; and, from the first, we have stood together in perfect sym- 
pathy, supporting, as I trust we always shall, all the great fundamental 
principles which go to the preservation and welfare of the republic. 

In these two places — Danvers and Salem — knowledge, virtue, patri- 
otism, philanthropy, and piety, have been cherished from the first ; and 
your distinguished and truly illustrious townsman, whose praises have 
been so well uttered to-day, here on these fields, in these school-houses, 
and beneath the roof of that venerable church, imbibed those princi- 
ples which have made him what he is, in virtue of which he has estab- 
lished this institution, to perpetuate, strengthen, and confirm thos«* 
principles through all future generations. [Cheers.] 

Fellow-citizens, I will not detain you another moment, further than 
to say that you are entering upon a most noble rivalry, not only with 
your mother Salem, but with the metropolis itself, and all the other 
most honored communities of our land. In establishing and rearing 
this noble institution, you have pledged yourselves to the cause of vir- 
tue, intelligence, science, and religion ; and I can only say that it will 
require the utmost and constant exertion of the energies of old Salem 
to keep pace with you, citizens of Danvers, in the glorious career upon 
which you have entered. I will say for your brethren of the city of 
Salem that we will endeavor to keep pace with you ; and, hereafter, 
the emulation shall be, which shall be most faithful, which most con- 
stant, which most strenuous, in sustaining those institutions by which 
alone the welfare, the glory, and the prosperity of the republic, can be 
perpetuated. [Prolonged applause.] 

The Chairman then thanked the assembly for their attendance and 
orderly conduct, an air was played by Folton's band, and thus con- 
cluded the deeply-interesting ceremonies of a day long to be remem- 
bered by the people of Danvers. 

The documents placed in the corner-stone were : — An account of 
the Centennial Celebration at Danvers ; account of a dinner given by 
Mr. George Pcabody to the Americans connected with the Great Exhi- 
bition, at the London Coffee House, Ludgate Hill, Oct. 27, 1851 ; 
official town documents ; newspapers of the day ; documents of the 
Essex Historical Society ; seal of the Peabody Institute ; documents 
of the city of Salem, and other interesting matter relating to the town ; 
together with an " Epistle from the Present to Future Generations," 
from the pen of Mr. Fitch Poole, which we annex. 




-ir^ PE! m^,C 




161 



EPISTLE 

FEOM THE PRESENT TO FUTURE GENERATIONS. 



Danveks, August 20, 1853. 
Respected Descendants : — 

We address you at this time, which is an important epoch in the 
annals of our town. The event of to-day will be regarded by you as 
a weighty item in your past history. We have met to lay the corner- 
stone of an edifice connected with a noble institution, designed, by its 
benevolent founder, for the promotion of knowledge and morality 
among the people of this town, through successive generations. It is 
erected by the bounty of one of our native citizens, — GEORGE 
PEABODY, — now a resident of London, the present capital of Great 
Britain. In his childhood and early youth, he received instruction in 
the free schools of our village ; and, in grateful acknowledgment of 
these privileges, he has founded the institution to whose objects this 
building is to be consecrated. This institution has, by a vote of the 
inhabitants of the town, received the name of the " PEABODY 
INSTITUTE," " that, in future years, our children may be reminded 
of their fathers' benefactor, and that sirangers may know the name of 
him whom Danvers will always be proud to claim as her son." 

The institution was founded on the 16th day of June, 1852, at a time 
when the inhabitants were assembled to celebrate the one hundredth 
anniversary of its corporate existence. You will find, among the doc- 
uments inclosed with this, a full account of the proceedings at that 
celebration, and also of the bestowment of the gift. 

You have learned from history that Danvers was settled in 1628, by 
Governor John Endicott and his followers, some of whose descendants 
are now among our most valued citizens. You have read of its growth 
in connection with Salem, and its separation from it in 1752. We pro- 
pose to speak to you of its advancement only for the last fifty years, 
beginning at the time when its greatest benefactor was a pui)il in one 
of its schools. At that time its population was about 2600, and its 
annual expenses about 85000. It was then almost entirely an agricul- 
tural town, the people being distinguished for morality, prudence, and 
industry. 

At this time its population is about 10,000 ; its annual expenses, 
nearly 824,000, about one half of which is applied to the cause of 
education. Its people are employed mainly in agriculture and nianu- 
factures. Its lands arc generally of good quality, and highly tilled, 
yielding rich returns to the cultivators. Its principal manufactures are 
of leather, in all its forms, and boots and shoes, in which a large capi- 
tal, and many people, find constant and remunerative employment. 
There arc also extensive manufactories of carpets, woolen cloths, iron, 

11 



162 

glue, and earthen ware, and an extensive bleachery, of large capital. 
This establishment is built of stone, and is situated near the birth-place 
of Mr. Peabody. 

There are three banks in the town, exclusive of the Savings Bank, 
and their aggregate capital amoiuits to $500,000 ; a mutual insurance 
company, and seven churches. It has two high schools, and twenty- 
five grammar, intermediate, and primary schools, all supported at the 
public expense. It has also a well-built and convenient alms-house, at 
a cost of $20,000, and a well-organized and effective fire department. 

Of the thirty-two cities and towns of Essex County, Danvers ranks 
the fifth in population, the fourth in wealth, and the fourth in liberality 
to its public schools. 

The growth of the town has been steadily progressive, and, without 
the advantages of any peculiar natural position, or by the aid of large 
manufacturing establishments, bringing capital from abroad. It may, 
therefore, be truly affirmed that its rapid advancement in population 
and wealth has been owing to the energy, enterprise, and industry of 
its own citizens. 

Although it is generally understood that the present is an age of pro- 
gress, in government, literature, science, and civilization, you will 
probably look back upon it as lamentably behind the age in which you 
Jlive. We certainly have to regret the little progress we have made in 
iihe arts of civilized life, and that our age must confess to so much tardi- 
rness in scientific discovery. 

Owing to the imperfection of our astronomical instruments, we know 
'but little of the fixed stars, and none of their planets have yet been 
. discovered. In our own solar system, we are acquainted with but eight 
planets, exclusive of the twenty-three asteroidal bodies ; and, strange 
as it may seem to you, we are still in doubt whether or not our moon 
js inhabited ! 

In locomotion, great advances have recently been made ; but the 
greatest speed attained on land is from thirty to fifty miles an hour, and 
at great risk to human life, many lives being annually sacrificed. On 
the water, it requires ten days to cross the Atlantic Ocean, by our 
swiftest ships, driven by the combined power of wind and steam. In 
navigating the air, we are enabled to rise a few thousand feet above the 
earth by the aid of balloons, and have, as yet, no power to guide them 
against the currents of wind which they may encounter. 

We have no lines of magnetic telegraph to the Pacific coast, or 
across the Atlantic. Almost the whole of the correspondence of the 
country is still conducted by the aid of the post-office, and this slow 
mode of communication is likely to continue until a more general and 
perfect system of telegraphing is established. 

Medical science has not yet discovered adequate remedies to prevent 
the spread of consumption, or those destructive epidemics, yellow fever 
and cholera. Our geological discoveries, though great, are of such a 
■nature that they open a wider field for further achievements. Other 
•discoveries, such as the hidden power of electricity, galvanism, and 
•caloric, seem in process of development, which, when completed, may 
furnish new aids in locomotion, manufactures, and the arts. Still other 
strange phenomena exist, about which men are perplexed to find a solu- 



163 

tion, but which will cease, in your times, to be regarded as miraculous 
or wonderful. 

In education some advances have recently been made, but much 
remains to be done. We have long had our free schools, which arc 
justly regarded as the glory of our land ; but the instruction they afford 
is rarely extended beyond childhood and early youth. You would 
scarcely believe it, were you not informed by authentic history, that we 
have, up to this period, no free colleges. Except as in the case of the 
institution whose foundation is now to be laid, and others created by a 
like private liberality, free public instruction is not aflbrded to our adult 
population. It will, doubtless, be your good fortune to live in an age 
when education, in knowledge and virtue, will be regarded by legisla- 
tors as a business of the whole life. 

In geography we are ignorant of the Northern and Southern Polar 
regions, and of the interior of Africa. That great continent is to this 
day unexplored. On its western shore is an infant nation, having a 
republican form of government, wisely and efficiently administered by 
civilized and intelligent men, of African blood. This nation, though 
small, is now larger in population than was civilized America two cen- 
turies ago. It was our privilege to plant it : it is yours to watch its 
pi-ogress, and witness its growth, until all that vast continent shall be 
thrown open to the commerce of the world. 

We have, also, much to lament in the moral aspect of our times. 
Christianity, even in name, has extended over but a small part of the 
globe, and, where it is professed, it is often found to exert too little in- 
fluence over the life. You are, we hope, to be the witnesses of more 
of its legitimate power at home, and, by the efforts of the devoted 
missionary, aided by commerce, its spread over the whole earth. 

We lament, too, that so little of political and personal liberty is now 
in the world. It is to be hoped that all forms of oppression will soon 
cease, and true liberty be universally enjoyed, before the age in which 
you shall live. There is yet great inequality in the social condition of 
mankind, which you are to see corrected by a stronger bond of frater- 
nity, and a wider philanthropy. We hope, also, that it will be 
your privilege to see an end to war, and witness so much harmony 
among the nations, that their union may be perpetuated by a universal 
language. 

Gold and silver coin is, at this time, the standard of value on which 
is based the circulation, exchanges, and all monetary transactions of 
the mercantile world. The relative value of gold over silver, at the 
present time, is as about one to sixteen. Recent discoveries of large 
quantities of gold now threaten to disturb this relation. The ingenuity 
of neither this or any preceding age has been able to find a substitute 
for these metals in commercial transactions. 

We mi^fht speak to you particularly of our own country, from its settle- 
ment to it's independence of Great Britain. We might dwell upon the 
wisdom and valor of the men who achieved it, led by the illustrious 
Washington, whose great name, we doubt not, will be cherished by you 
with a veneration as great as that with which it is now held by all his 
countrymen. We might speak of the progress of the country, from 
that time to the present, but the pen of history renders this needless. 



164 

Its territorial limits arc now bounded, on the east and west by the 
Atlantic and Pacific oceans, on the north by the great lakes and the 
49th parallel of latitude, and on the south by the Grande and Gila 
rivers. We dare not anticipate its extent and power when you shall 
have come on the stage of life ! Our hopes greatly preponderate over 
our fears, knowing that the destinies of our country are to be entrusted 
to generations having greater knowledge than the present, and living in 
a more enlightened age of the world. 

To you, our desctuidants, we entrust the honor and welfare of our 
beloved country and our ancient town. To you we commit the Institu- 
tion which is now to be established. It is a gift from one of the noblest 
men of our age, bestowed on you for your improvement in knowledge 
and virtue. Cherish, sustain, and improve it for the good of those wlio 
will follow you. Cherish, also, in your memories and affections, the 
name of its Founder. Tell your children of his high sense of honor, 
of his successful exertions to sustain, in a dark period, the drooping 
credit of his country and countrymen, and of his zeal to unite, in a 
bond of true brotherhood, the land of his sojourn with the land of his 
birth. 

We stand, much respected Posterity, towards you in a peculiar 
position. While, as your ancestors, we are now addressing you, you 
are not in existence ; nor will you be, until ages have passed away. 
We know not the time when you will occupy the stage of life from 
which we shall soon make our exit. While you are waiting for your 
cradles, we wait for our coftins. Thus successive generations will 
appear and assume our stations ; and thus they will depart until your 
time comes. You will then look back upon us as your forefathers. 
You will look with critical and curious eyes on our antiquated habits of 
thought and action. You will probably show your compassion for our 
ignorance, and make yourselves merry at the quaintness of our 
language and costume. 

While you justly ridicule us tor our follies, we only ask you to 
judge us by the proper standard. We wish you to consider that every 
successive generation has a new advantage in the discoveries and ex- 
perience of the preceding, and that you are indebted to us, and those 
who follow us, for much of that wealth of wisdom which you possess. 
We crave your judgment of us in the dim light of our own age, and 
not in the brightness of yours. We ask this as our right, so that when 
you trace your genealogies back to our times, you may deem your- 
selves the progeny of a worthy, if not an enlightened ancestry. 

We invoke, in your behalf, the blessings of that Providence whose 
kind care supported our fathers, and has extended over their children to 
the present moment. As your progenitors, we give you our blessing, 
not doubling that, in proportion to your greatly increased privileges, 
will be your improvement of them, for your own happiness and the 
true glory of your age. 

Accept our benediction, and with it our congratulations, that you 
come upon the stage of life at a more enlightened age of the world 
than those who address you. 

THE GENERATION OF 1853. 



165 



THE DEDICATION, 



The Peabody Institute, in Danvers, was dedicated on Friday after- 
noon, Sept. 29, 1854, by very interesting and appropriate services. 
The beautiful Hall or Lecture Room was thronged to its utmost capacity, 
and hundreds, who desired to gain admission, were unable even lo ap- 
proach the doors. By a fortunate coincidence, a magnificent painting 
— a full length portrait of Mr. Peabody, by Healy, ordered by the citizens 
of Danvers — was received from Europe a few days before, in season 
to be placed over the rostrum, facing the audience, where it is to remain 
as a permanent decoration of the Hall, and memorial of the noble- 
hearted donor. 

The services were introduced by the following pertinent remarks from 
Hon. R. S. Daniels, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, who presided : 

MR. DANIELS' REMARKS. 

Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

This is a deeply interesting occasion to the inhabitants of the town 
of Danvers. This is one of our brightest and proudest days. The events 
and circumstances which have brought us together at this time wdl ever 
be prominent in our local history. This building, now and ever after 
to be known as the Peabody Institute, is completed, and we are 
assembled to-day for the first lime within its walls, for the purpose of 
consecrating it to the noble objects for which it was intended by its dis- 
tinguished donor. It may be proper to state that in its erection about 
one hundred persons, in all the departments of labor, have been em- 
ployed. No accident has occurred— no disagreements have been 
known— no discord has arisen to interrupt the most pleasant intercourse 
among them— all have seemed anxious that it sliould be erected with 
care and exactness. The architect, the master-builders, and the humblest 
laborers, have exerted themselves to do their whole duty. They knew 
it was a public institution, designed for the public good, and they were 
ever prompt to bestow their best eflforts, that it might be what it ought 
to be. The beauty and convenience of the structure will convince 
every impartial observer that they have been successful. 



166 

The importance of this Institution to this town, and its influence in 
this community, we trust will meet our most sanguine expectations. It 
is to be devoted to the promotion of " knowledge and morality " — this is 
the language of Mr. Peabody — and wherever true knowledge is diffused, 
society will be improved and elevated ; and wherever pure morality 
abounds, there will be a security and confidence which will promote peace 
and happiness, and add much to the enjoyment and pleasures of life. To 
accomplish these purposes, Mr. Peabody has directed that lectures shall 
be given and a library established. What more efficient means could 
be designed to secure the desired objects.? Here will be deposited the 
results of the labors of the purest and best minds. Here we shall have 
opportunity to be instructed and enlightened by able and learned orators. 
It will indeed be a fountain of knowledge, from which are to flow streams 
of intellectual power and richness. We shall find here sources of en- 
joyment and of refined improvement, which are afforded to few towns 
even in our own favored New England. Who can doubt but that great 
and good influences will be scattered abroad from this Institution ? Will 
not our young men, and young ladies, too, come up here and drink 
deep from these sources of learning, furnished gratuitously by one who 
experienced, in his youthful days, the need of such golden privileges.? 
Youth is emphatically the time to store the mind with useful knowledge ; 
it will invigorate the intellect, and give a purer and better knowledge of 
the great duties of life. 

My friends — Mr. Peabody, in the bestowment of his first donation, 
proposed a sentiment, which was announced at the Centennial Celebra- 
tion, that " Education" was a " debt due from present to future genera- 
tions." And how soon will this Institution, with its cares and responsi- 
bilities, its blessings and benefits, be known only to posterity ? We shall 
hardly behold the swelling bud ; — the opening flower and the ripened 
fruit will be gathered in the future. This building will probably be 
standing when every one of the now ten thousand inhabitants of this 
town shall have mingled with the dust. It is well known to you that 
the venerable friend of Mr. Peabody, Capt. Sylvester Proctor, who had 
been selected to lay the corner-stone, had passed away from all earthly 
scenes before that event occurred; and also one, [Dr. Nichols,] who 
was prominent, and took a deep interest in the early movements for the 
establishment of this Institution, slumbers with the dead. Thus, one 
by one, but in rapid succession, our time on earth will close forever. 
Mr. Peabody, our munificent benefactor, will shortly be known only in 
name ; but the blessings which he is diffusing for the benefit of posterity, 



167 

will ensure for him a remembrance of more enduring character than 
the sculptured marble. With these solemn but undisputed facts in view, 
let us pledge ourselves anew, to-day, to the faithful performance of our 
duty. Let us be ever mindful of the sacred trust committed to our 
charge. Let the privileges, which we here enjoy, pass from us into 
other hands, in all their purity and strength. 

Prayer was then offered by Rev. Dr. Braman, after which the fol- 
lowing Original Hymn, " by a native," (understood to be Edwin Jocelyu, 
Esq.,) was sung, in a very superior manner, by a quartette choir from 
Salem, consisting of the Misses Robinson and Messrs. Whitmore and 
Smith — Mr. B. J. Lang presiding at the piano. The music was from 
Mozart : 

Maker, Endower, Thee we bless 

For all the good wo here possess ; 

For life, — these mystic frames of ours, 

Endued with all their various powers ; 

Kind Father ! send thy Spirit down, 

This rite to purify and crown. 

We bless Thee for the warm blood's flow, 
The muscles' strength that feels its glow ; 
For higher pow'rs of soul and mind. 
Mysteriously with all combined ; 
Great Author ! shower thy Spirit o'er. 
That we may love and praise Thee more. 

We bless Thee for the means Thou'st given, 
To lift our souls from earth to Heaven ; 
And praise Thee, that the Eternal Mind 
Inspires great hearts to bless their kind, — 
Imparting what Thou'st given free, 
To raise their race and honor Thee. 

Father of All ! keep our sight 
Still fix'd on Revelation's light, 
That points a life more pure tlian this,— 
Of higher work and greater bliss ; 
And now, O, Thou Eternal Tower, 
Accept our praise and bless this hour. 

The Chairman then introduced the gentleman who was to deliver the 
address, as follows : 

It is with much i)leasure I announce to you a gentleman who is per- 
sonally known to many of you, and whose fame and character is fauuhar 
to all. He was once a resident of this town, and mingled in our social 



168 

circles. With iis lie commenced his professional career, and at our 
hands received his first public honors; and, notwithstanding his present 
elevated position, he has never forgotten his old Danvcrs friends, but 
always receives them with a kind and cordial greeting. He has come 
among us to-day to lend his important aid in giving a start to our 
beloved Institution. I know he will receive a cordial welcome at your 
hands. I now introduce to you the Hon. RuFUS Choate. 

The orator was received with a cordial greeting, and proceeded to 
deliver an address which occupied about an hour and ten minutes, and 
which was listened to with intense delight and admiration. It was an 
address fully up to the occasion, and worthy of the intellect and genius 
of Rufus Choate. The listeners, who experienced so much gratification, 
could hardly have been aware at what a cost their pleasure was derived ; 
for they could not discern, as those brilliant periods charmed the ear, 
that the speaker was suffering from severe and harassing illness. 

ADDRESS OF HON. RUFUS CHOATE. 

I esteem it a great privilege to have been allowed to unite with my 
former townsmen, and the friends of so many years — by whose season- 
able kindness the earliest struggles of professional life were observed 
and helped — the friends of all its periods — so I have found them — to 
unite with you in the transaction for which we are assembled. In all 
respects it is one of rare interest. You have come together to express 
anew your appreciation of the character and the objects of the giver of 
this splendid charity ; to repeat and republish your grateful acceptance 
of it ; and to dedicate this commodious and beautiful structure to its 
faithful and permanent administration. You open to-day for Danvers — 
its inhabitants of this time, and all its successions — the Lyceum of knowl- 
edge and morality. Under this dedication it shall stand while Massa- 
chusetts shall stand. This edifice will crumble, certainly, to be replaced 
with another : this generation of the first recipients of the gift — the 
excellent giver himself — will soon pass away : but while our social and 
civil system shall endure ; while law shall be administered ; while the 
sentiments of justice, gratitude, and honor, shall beat in one heart on 
your territory, the charity is immortal. 

For every one among you it is set open equally. No fear that the 
religious opinions he holds sacred will be assailed, or the politics he 
cultivates insulted, will keep back any from his share of the diffusive 
good. Other places and other occasions you reserve for dissent and 



r 












P~^ 



C-^'^"^ 








O 



-r" ;! 



169 

disputation, and stru^wle for mastery, and the sharp competitions of life. 
But here shall be peace and reconciliation. Within these walls, the 
knowledge and the morality, wliich arc of no creed and no party ; 
which arc graceful and profitable for all alike — of every creed and 
every party; which are true and real to every mind, as mind, and from 
the nature of mind ; and to every conscience as conscience, and from 
the nature of conscicitce ; and which are the same thing, therefore, in 
every brain and every heart — this alone — knowledge and morality, 
broad, free, identical as humanity itself— is to be inculcated here. 

Happy and privileged the community, beyond the measure of New 
England privilege even, for whom such higli educational instrumental- 
ities are thus munificently provided, and made perpetual! Happy 
especially, if they shall rouse themselves to improve them to their ut- 
most capacity — if they shall feel that they arc summoned by a new 
motive, and by an obligation unfelt before, to an unaccustomed effort 
to appropriate to their hearts and their reason, all the countless good 
which is hidden in knowledge and a right life ; an efibrt to become 
— more than before — wise, bright, thoughtful, ingenious, good ; to attain 
to the highest degree of learning which is compatible with the practical 
system of things, of which they are part ; to feed the immortal, spiritual 
nature with an ampler and higher nutrition, enriching memory with new 
facts ; judgment with sounder thoughts ; taste with more beautiful images, 
the moral sense with more of all things whatsoever they arc lovely, 
honest, and of good report, — the reality of virtue, the desert of praise. 

Happy, almost above all, the noble giver, whose heart is large enough 
to pay of the abundance which crowns his life — to pay out of his single 
means — the whole debt this generation owes the future. I honor and 
love him, not merely that his energy, sense, and integrity have raised 
iiim from a poor boy — waiting in that shop yonder — to be a guest, as 
Curran gracefully expressed it, at the table of princes ; to spread a ■ 
table for the entertainment of princes — not merely because the bril- 
liant professional career which has given him a position so command- 
ing in the mercantile and social circles of the commercial capital 
of the world, has left him as completely American — the heart as 
wholly untravelled — as when he first stepped on the shore of England 
to seek his fortune, sighing to think that the ocean rolled between him 
and home; jealous of honor; wakeful to our interests; helping his 
country, not by swagger and vulgarity, but by recommending her credit; 
vindicating her title to be trusted on the exchange of nations ; stjuander- 
ing himself in hospitalities to her citizens — a man of deeds, not of words, 
— not for these merely I love and honor him, but because his nature is 



170 

affectionate and unsophisticated still ; because his memory comes over 
so lovingly to this sweet Argos ; to the schoolroom of his childhood ; 
to the old shop and kind master, and the graves of his father and mother; 
and because he has had the sagacity, and the character to indulge these 
unextinguished affections in a gift — not of vanity and ostentation — but 
of supreme and durable utility. With how true and rational a satisfac- 
tion might he permit one part of the charitable nch man's epitaph to be 
written on his grave-stone : — " What I spent I had ; what I kept 1 lost ; 
what I gave away remains with me." 

I have found it quite incompatible with my engagements and health, 
to methodize the thoughts which have crowded on my mind in the pros- 
pect of meeting you to-day, into anything like elaborate or extended 
discourse ; but I have certainly wished — instead of mere topics of con- 
gratulation ; or instead of diffusing myself exclusively on the easy and 
obvious commonplaces of the utility of knowledge, and the beauty of 
virtue ; or instead of the mere indulgence of those trains of memory 
and sensibility, to which the spectacle of old friends, and of the chil- 
dren and grandchildren of other friends, " whom my dim eyes in vain 
explore," almost irrepressively impels me — instead of this, to submit a 
practical suggestion or two in regard to the true model of turning the 
Lyceum to its utmost account ; and then in regard to the motives you 
are under to do so. These suggestions I make diffidently ; and there- 
fore I would not make them at all, but from the conviction that in your 
hands they may come to assume some little value. 

I take it for granted that the declared wishes of Mr. Peabody will be 
considered as determining, quite peremptorily, the general mode of 
administering this fund. Better educational instrumentalities, indeed, 
no man's wisdom, in the circumstances, could have devised. Courses 
of lectures, then, and a library of good books, these are to form the 
means of the Lyceum ; and the problem is, in what way you can make 
the most of them. 

It may seem a little exaggerated at its first statement, and perhaps 
alarming, but it will serve at least to introduce my more particular ideas, 
to say that the true view for you to take of this large provision of men- 
tal means, and of your relations to it, is to regard yourselves as having 
become by its bestowment permanently the members of an institution 
which undertakes to teach you by lectures and a library. Herein exactly 
is the peculiarity of your new privilege. You are no longer, as here- 
tofore it has been with you, — merely to be indulged the opportunity of a 
few evenings in a year to listen, for the amusement of it, to half a dozen 



171 

discourses of as many different speakers, on as many totally disconnected 

topics, treated possibly for ostentation, and adapted only to entertain 

but however treated, and whatever fit for, totally forgotten in an hour ; 
preceded, followed up, and assisted by no preparation and no effort of 
the hearer; giving no direction whatever to his thoughts or readings ; 
separated from each other, even while the Lyceum season lasts, by a 
week of labor, devoted even in its leisure moments to trains of thought 
or snatches of reading wholly unauxiliar and irrelative — and for nine 
months or ten months of the year totally discontinued. Thanks to this 
munificence you are come to the fruition of far other opportunities. 
An institution of learning in the justcst sense of the term is provided 
for you. Lectures are to be delivered for you through a far larger por- 
tion of the year ; a library, which will assuredly swell to thousands of 
volumes, is to be accumulated under your eye, from which you may 
derive the means of accompanying any lecturer on any subject from 
evening to evening ; and this system of provision is permanent — hence- 
forth part and parcel, through its corporate existence, of the civil identity 
and privilege of Danvers. You enter therefore, to-day — you may enter 
— a new and important school ; as durably such, as truly such — having 
regard to differences of circumstantial details, — as the seminary at 
Andover ; or the Law School at Cambridge ; or the College of Medicine 
at Philadelphia — all of them schools too, and all teaching by lectures 
and a library. 

Setting out with this idea, let me say a word on the Lectures of this 
school, — what they should be, and how they should he heard, assisted, 
and turned to account by those who hear them. And I submit to the 
trustees of the charity to reject, ivhether a succession of such discourses 
as I have indicated, on disconnected topics, by different speakers — how- 
ever brilliant and able the individual performer may be — will in the long 
run yield the good, or any approximation to the good, which would be 
derived from courses of lectures more or less extended, like the Lowell 
lectures of Boston, each by a single person, devoted to the more e.xact 
and thorough treatment of a single important subject. 

Consider that the diffusion of knowledge among you, is the aim of the 
founder. The imparting of knowledge is the task which he sets his 
lecturer to do ; and of knowledge in any proper sense — knowledge 
within the legal meaning of this charity — how much can he impart who 
comes once in a year — onge in a life time, perhaps — before his audience, 
a stranger ; addresses it an hour and goes his way ? He can teach 
little if he tries ; and the chances are infinite, that to teach that little he 



172 

will not try. The temptations and the tendencies of that system of 
exhibition are in-esistible to make him despair of conveying knowledge, 
and devote himself to producing effect ; to select some topic mainly of 
emotional or imaginative capability ; and even then to sacrifice the 
beauty which is in truth, to the counterfeit presentment which mocks it 
in glitter, exaggeration, ingenuity and intensity. If he would spend his 
hour in picking up and explaining a shell or pebble from the shore of 
the ocean of knowledge, it were something; but that seems unworthy 
of himself and of the expectations which await him ; and up he soars 
or down he sinks, to rhetoric or pathos ; and when his little part is best 
discharged, it is not much more than the lovely song of one who hath a 
pleasant voice, and can play well upon an instrument. 

I do not say that such lectures are hurtful. I do not deny them a cer- 
tain capacity of usefulness. I do not say they are not all which you 
should look for in our lyccums, as ordinarily they are constituted. They 
are all which, for the present, you will yourselves, perhaps, be able to pro- 
vide. But to an endowed and durable foundation like this, they are totally 
inapplicable. They would be no more nor less — after you shall be com- 
pletely organized — than a gross abuse of the charity, and violation of 
the will of the giver. It is not merely that they would teach no knowl- 
edge^ and would not assume to do it, and that the nature and laws of 
that kind of composition, and the conditions of its existence, totally ex- 
clude such a function. It goes further than that. The relations be- 
tween teacher and pupil, under such a system, jaever exist at all. The 
audience never think of coming before the lecturer to have the truths 
of the last lecture retouched, and new ones deduced or added ; to have 
the difficulties of which they have been thinking since they heard him 
before, resolved ; to ask questions ; to be advised what authors to read, 
or what experiments to undertake on the subject he is illustrating. They 
carry no part of his sermon into the week with them ; and he never 
knows or asks whether they do or not. In the nature of things, this all 
must he so. It is of the essential conception of knowledge, as the 
founder here uses the word — knowledge as applicable to anything — that 
it includes many particulars of fact or idea, arranged 'by method — that 
is, arranged according to their true relations. 

Whatever it be on which knowledge is to be imparted — whether one 
of the phenomena of nature, as vegetable life ; or insensible motion ; 
or the periods of the stars ; or sonje great as^iect of humanity — as the 
history of a renowned age or event, pregnant of a stui)ondous future ; 
or a marked man of the heroic and representative type ; or one of the 



17a 

glorious productions of iniiul — as u constitution of free government, or 
a union of states into one nationality; a great literature, or even a great 
poem — whatever it be, that which makes up the consummate knowledge 
of it is at once so much a unity and an infinity — it unfolds itself into 
so many particulars ; one deduced from another by series ever progres- 
sive ; one modifying another; every one requiring to be known in order 
that any one may be exactly known — that if you mean to teach it by 
lectures at all, you must substitute a totally different system, ll must 
he done by courses coijtinuously delivered, and frequently, by the same 
person, and having for their object to achieve the exact and exhaustive 
treatment of something — some science, some art, some age, some trans- 
action that changed the face of fortune and history — something worthy 
to be completely known. He whom you call to labor on this founda- 
tion must understand that it is knowledge which is demanded of him. 
He must assure himself that he is to have his full time to impart it. 
He must come to the work appreciating that he is not to be judged by 
the brilliancy or dullness of one passage, or one evening ; but that he 
must stand or fall by the mass and aggregate of his teachings. He is 
to feel that he is an instructor, not the player of a part on a stage ; that 
he is to teach truth, and not cut a rhetorical caper; enthusiastic in the 
pursuit; exact and veracious as a witness under oath in the announce- 
ment. I would have him able to say of the subject which he treats, 
what Cousin said of philosophy in the commencement of one of his 
celebrated courses — after a long interruption by the instability of the 
government of France : — " Devoted entirely to it — after having had the 
honor to suffer a little in its service, I come to consecrate to its illus- 
tration, unreservedly, all that remains to me of strength and of life." 
And now how are you to hear such courses of lectures > Essentially 
by placing yourselves in the relation of pupils of the lecturer. For 
the whole period of his course, let the subject he teaches compose the 
study of the hours, or fragments of hours, which you can give to study 
at all. You would read something, on some topic, every day, in all 
events. Let that reading, less or more, relate exclusively or mainly 
to the department of knowledge on which you go to hear him. If he 
knows his buisncss he will recommend all the best books pertaining to 
that department, and on these the first purchases for the library will be 
quite likely in part to be expended. Attend the instructions of his lips 
by the instruction of the printed treatise. In this way only can you, by 
any possibility, avail yourselves at once of all that books and teachers 
can do. In this way only can you make one cooperate with the otlier. 



174 

In this way only — in a larger view — can you rationally count on con- 
siderable and ever-increasing acquisitions of knowledge. Remember 
that your opportunities for such attainments in this school, after all, are 
to be few and brief. You and I are children of labor at last. The 
practical, importunate, ever-recurring duties of the calling to which 
we are assigned must have our best of life. What are your vacations, 
or mine, from work, for the still air of delightful studies? They are 
only divers infinitely minute particles of time — half hours before the 
morning or midday meal is quite ready — days, now and then, not sick 
enough for the physician nor well enough for work — a rainy afternoon, 
the priceless evening, when the long task is done — these snatches and 
intersticial spaces — moments literal and fleet — these are all the chances 
that we can borrow or create for the luxury of learning. How difficult 
it is to arrest these moments — to aggregate them — to till them, as it were 
— to make them day by day extend our knowledge, refine our tastes, 
accomplish our whole culture, to scatter in them the seed that shall 
grow up, as Jeremy Taylor has said, " to crowns and sceptres" of a 
true wisdom — how difficult is this we all appreciate. To turn them to 
any profit at all, we must religiously methodise them. Desultory read- 
ing and desultory reverie are to be forever abandoned. A page in this 
book, and another in that — ten minutes thought or conversation on this 
subject, and the next ten on that — this strenuous and specious idleness 
is not the way by which our intervals of labor are to open to us the 
portals of the ciystal palace of truth. Such reading, too, and such 
thinking are an indulgence by which the mind loses its power — by which 
curiosity becomes sated, ennui supervenes, and the love of learning 
itself is irrevocably lost. Therefore, I say, methodise your moments. 
Let your reading be systematic ever, so that every interval of rest shall 
have its book provided for it — and during the courses of your lectures, 
let those books treat the topics of the course. 

Let me illustrate my meaning. You are attending, I will say, a 
course on astronomy — consisting of two lectures in a week, for two 
months. Why should you not regard yourselves for these two months 
as students of astronomy, so far as you can study anything, or think of 
anything, outside of your business ; and why not determine to know 
nothing else ; but to know as much of that as you can, for all that time ? 
Consider what this would involve, and what it might accomplish. Sup- 
pose that you, by strenuous and persistent effi>rt, hold that one subject 
fully in view for so inconsiderable a period ; that you do your utmost 
to turn your thoughts and conversation on it ; that you write out the 



175 

lecture, from notes or memory, as soon as it is given, and re-peruse 
and master it before you hear the next ; that you read, not on other 
parts of the science, but on the very parts he has arrived at and is dis- 
cussing ; that you devote an hour each evening to surveying the archi- 
tecture of the heavens for yourselves, seeking to learn, not merely to 
indulge a vague and wandering sort of curiosity ; or even a grand, but 
indistinct and general emotion, as if listening to imaginary music of 
spheres — but to aspire to the science of the stars ; to fix their names ; 
to group them in classes and constellations ; to trace their ties ; their 
reciprocal influence ; their coui-ses everlasting — suppose that thus, and 
by voluntary and continuous exertion, you concentrate on one great 
subject, for so considerable a period, all the moments of time, and 
snatches of hasty reading, and opportunities of thought that otherwise 
would have wasted themselves everywhere, and gone olT by insensible 
evaporation — do you not believe that it would tell decisively upon 
your mental culture and your positive attainments ? Would not the 
effort of attention so prolonged and exclusive be a discipline itself ines- 
timable ? Would not the particulars of so much well-systematized 
reading and thought arrange themselves in your minds in the form of 
science — harder to forget than to remember — and might you not 
hope to begin to feel the delicious sensations implied in growing con- 
sciously in the knowledge of truth ? 

I have taken for granted in these thoughts on the best mode of ad- 
ministering the charity, that your own earnest purpose will be to turn 
it, by some mode, to its utmost account. The gratitude and alacrity 
with which you accepted the gift show quite well how you appreciate the 
claims of knowledge and the dignity of mental culture ; and what value 
you set upon this rare and remarkable appropriation to uses so lofty. 
I have no need, therefore, to exhort you to profit of these opportunities; 
but there are one or two views on which I have formerly reflected 
somewhat, and which I will briefly lay before you. 

It is quite common to say, and much more common to think, 
without saying it aloud, that mental culture and learning, above the 
elements, may well claim a high place, as luxuries and indul- 
gence, and even a grand utility, for those whose condition allows 
them a life time for such luxury and such indulgence, and the ap- 
propriation of such a good ; but what for labor— properly so called 

they can do little, even if labor could pause to acquire them. 

Not so has the founder of this charity reasoned ; nor so will you. He 
would say, and so do I, seek for mental power, and the utmost practi- 



176 

cable love and measure of knowledge, exactly because they will do so 
much for labor ; first to uiform and direct its exertions ; secondly, to 
refine and adorn it, and disengage it from too absolute an immersion 
in matter, aiid bring it into relation to the region of ideas, and spirit- 
uality, and abstraction ; and, thirdly, to soothe its fatigues^ and deceive 
its burlhe7is, and co?npose its discontent. On each of these three uses 
of culture and learning, let me say a word in order. 

Consider, first how much they can do merely to inform., invigorate, 
and direct labor in its actual exertions. Take the matter on a large 
scale, somewhat. Take our whole New England. I need not tell you 
that labor, manual and literal, is the condition — 1 will not say of our 
greatness, but of our being. What were New England without it .' 
Lying away up under the North Star ; our winters long and cold ; our 
spring trembling and capricious ; our sky ungenial ; our coast iron- 
bound ; our soil not over-productive, by aid of all our science, of the 
hardier and commoner grains and grasses ; barren,, almost of the great 
staples of commerce which adorn and enrich the wheatfields of the 
central regions — the ocean prairies of the West — the rice grounds and 
sugar and cotton plantations of the South ; our area small ; our numbers 
few; our earlier occupations of navigation and fishing divided with us 
by a whole world, until just now at peace — what is there for us but 
labor — labor improbus omnia vincens — that dares all things and con- 
quers all things .? What else — what but the vast and various industry 
of intellectual civilization, the whole family of robust and manly 
arts — affording occupation to everybody every moment of working 
time ; occupation to every taste and talent and faculty, that which it 
likes best, which it can do easiest, and which improves it most ; 
occupation for strong and weak, bright and dull, young and old, 
and both the sexes — that shall, with more than magnetic efficacy 
and certainty, seize, develop, discipline, and perfect every capacity, 
the whole diffusive mass of ability, gathering up the fragments of mind 
and time, so that nothing be lost — what but this is h, by Avhich we shall 
grow great in material greatness ; by which we shall vanquish the an- 
tagonistic powers of nature, and build the palace of a commodious and 
conspicuous national life over against those granite mountains and this 
unfruitful sea ? Is it not this which is to be to us in place of mines ; of 
pearls ; of vineyards ; of enameled prairies ; of wheat fields and the tea 
plant ; of rice grounds and sugar and cotton plantations dressed by the 
hands of slaves > This is the transcendant power, w ithout which wc 
are poor, give what they will ; and with it rich, take what they may. 



177 

True is it, then, of all our power, eminence, and consideration — as 
of our existence, that the condition is labor. Our lot is labor. There 
is no reversal of the doom of man for us. But is that a reason why we 
should not aspire to the love and attainment of learning, and to the bet- 
tering of the mind ? For that very reason we should do so. Docs not 
the industry of a people at last rest upon and embody the intellect of 
the people ? Is not its industry as its intellect ? Is not the highest 
practicable degree of mental culture and useful knowledge, really 
the best possible instrumefttality for instructing, vivifying and guiding 
the rough power of labor ? Does it not supply the chemistry which 
teaches it to make rejoicing harvest ; how to fatten barren soils ; re- 
claim or spare exhausted soils ; preserve rich soils ; irrigate parched 
soils ; and make two blades of grass grow where one grew before ? 
Does it not teach it how to tunnel through mountains, or beneath beds 
of rivers, or under populous towns ; to bridge or fill the valley; to 
lay along and fasten in their places the long lines of iron roads, which 
as mighty currents pour the whole vast inland into our lap for exchange 
with all the gatherings of the sea? Does it not teach it how to plan its 
voyages, and make its purchases, so as most seasonably to meet the 
varying and sudden demand by the adequate supply ? Does it not 
teach it how to construct its tools, and how to use them ; how to improve 
old and invent new; by what shortest and simplest and cheapest process 
it can arrive at the largest results of production — how, generally, it can 
evoke to its aid the auxiliar forces of nature, and the contrivances of 
years of trial and skill, and then and thus, take the impure ore from its 
bed, the fleece from the pelt, the skin from the animal frame, the cotton 
from the pod, and refine and transfigure them into shapes of use and 
beauty and taste — the clothing, the dwellings, the furniture of civiliza- 
tion — sought for in all the markets of the world ? Above all, does it 
not cooperate witli those more direct precepts towards a right living, 
which the founder of the charity expects and prescribes, in imparting 
that moral and prudential character, which is as needful and as service- 
able for thrift as for virtue — thoughtfulness, economy, self-estimation, 
self-consciousness, sobriety, respect for others' rights, obedience to law, 
an elevated standard of life and mind ? 

Why, think how much is involved in a mere increased power of 
mind ! How vast an agency that is ! There is not an occupation of civ- 
ilized life — from the making of laws, and poems, achromatic telescopes 
and the machinery of cotton and woolen mills, down to the starting of 
a bad rock out of the highway — that is not done better by a bright maix 
12 



178 

than a dull man, not being above his business ; by a quick than a slow 
man ; by an instructed man than by a simple man ; by a prudent, 
thoughtful and careful man, than by'a light, heedless and foolish one. 
Every one of the occupations — in other words the universal labor of 
civilization demands — is nothing in the world but a mental effort, putting 
forth a physical effort ; and you but only go to the fountain-head, as 
you ought to do, when you seek by an improved culture and a better 
knowledge to give force and power to the imperial capacity behind, and 
set a thoughtful and prudent spirit to urge and guide it. You say, you 
see, that you bestow a new power on man, when you give him an im- 
proved machine. But do you not bestow a far more available gift, 
when you communicate to him an improvement of that mental and 
moral nature which invents, improves and uses — profitably or unprof- 
itably — all machines. In one case you give him a definite and limited 
amount of coined money ; in the other a mine of gold or silver from 
which treasuries may be replenished. Nay, what avails the improved 
ftXJachine to the untaught mind ? Put a forty-feet telescope, with its 
loairror of four feet in diameter, into the hands of a savage, whether of 
civilized or barbarous life, and he sees about as much as our children 
see through a glass prism — gaudy outlines — purple, orange and green, 
crossing and blending — on everything. Let the exercised reason of 
Herschel lift that tube from the Cape of Good Hope into the southern 
sky — and the architecture, not made with hands, burning whh all its 
lamps of l>eaven, ascends before him — 

Glory beyond all glory ever seen 
By waking sense or by the dreaming soul ; 

firmaments of fixed stars ; of which all the stars in our heaven — all the 
stars our eye takes in, form but one firmament — one constellation only 
of a universe of constellations — separated by unsounded abysses, yet 
holden together "by invisible bands, and moving together perhaps about 
some centre, to which the unimprisoned soul may in some stage of be- 
ing ascend, but which earthly science shall vanish away without dis- 
cerning. 

Such in kind — not of course in degree — is the additional power 
you give to labor, by improving the intellectual and prudential charac- 
ter which informs and guides it. Let me bring a single piece of direct 
evidence on the point to your notice. 

A few years since, Mr. Mann, then Secretary of the Board of Educa- 
tion of Massachusetts, addressed a letter to several of the most intelli- 
gent superintendents or proprietors of manufacturing establishments at 



179 

Lowell, inquiring whether, in point of fact, they could discern any 
difference between the educated and uneducated operative ; l)efwcen 
those whose intellect and heart had been subjected early to the apjire- 
ciable influence of mental and moral culture and those who had not. 
Their answers enrich one of his reports, and they show, by precise 
statistical details, derived from a long course of personal ol)servation, 
that throughout the whole range of mechanical industry, the well 
educated operative does more work, does it better, wastes less, uses his 
allotted portion of machinery to more advantage and more profit, earns 
more money, commands more confidence, rises faster,— rises higher, 
from the lower to the more advanced positions of his employment, than 
the uneducated operative. 

I say, then, forasmuch as we arc children of labor, cultivate mental 
power. Pointing the friends of humanity, and of America, to this 
charity, I say to them, go and do likewise. Diffuse mental power. 
Give it to more than have it now. Give it in a higher degree. Give it 
in earlier life. Think how stupendous, yet how practicable it were to 
make, by an improved popular culture, the entire laborious masses of 
New England more ingenious, more inventive, more prudent than now 
they are. How much were effected — how much for power ; how 
much for enjoyment ; how much for a true glory — by this accession 
to the quality of its mind. It would show itself in half a century in 
every acre of her surface. In the time it would save ; in the strength 
it would impart ; in the waste it would prevent ; in the more sedulous 
husbandry of all the gifts of God ; in richer soils, created or opened ; 
in the great cooperating forces of nature — air, water, steam, fertility 
— yoked in completer obedience to the car of labor ; in the multiplicity 
of useful inventions — those unfailing exponents, as well as promoters 
of popular mental activity and reach ; in the aggregate of production, 
swelled, diversified, enriched ; in the refluent wave of wealth — sub- 
siding here and there in reservoirs, in lakes, in springs perennial, but 
spread, too, everywhere in rills and streamlets, and falling iti the 
descent of dew and the dropping of the cloud — in these things you 
would sec the peaceful triumphs of an improved mind. Nor in these 
alone, or chiefly. More beautiful far, and more precious, would they 
beam abroad in the elevation of the standard of comfortable life ; in 
the heightened sense of individual responsihility and respectability, and 
a completer individual development ; in happier homes ; in better 
appreciation of the sacredness of property, and the sovereignty of 
justice in the form of law ; in more time found and better ])ri/ed, when 



180 

the tasks of the day were all well done, more time found and better 
prized for the higher necessities of the intellect and soul. 

I have not time to dwell now on the second reason, by which 1 
suggested that labor should be persuaded to seek knowledge, though it 
would well deserve a fuller handling. You find that reason is the 
tendency of culture and learning to refme the work-day life, and adorn 
it ; to disengage it from the contacts of matter, and elevate it to the 
sphere of ideas and abstraction and spirituality ; to withdraw, as Dr. 
Johnson has said, " to withdraw us from the power of our senses ; to 
make the past, the distant or the future predominate over the present, 
and thus to advance us in the dignity of thinking beings." Surely we 
need not add a self-inflicted curse to that which punished the fall. To 
earn our bread in the sweat of our brow is ordained to us certainly ; 
but not, therefore, to forget in whose image we were made, nor to 
suffer all beams of the original brightness to go out. Who has doomed 
us, or any of us, to labor so exclusive and austere, that only half, the 
lower half, of our nature can survive it .? The unrest of avarice, or am- 
bition, or vanity, may do it ; but no necessity of our being, and no 
appointment of its author.^ Shall we, of our own election, abase our- 
selves } Do you feel that the mere tasks of daily labor ever employ the 
whole man ? Flave you not a conscious nature, other and beside that 
which tills the earth ; drives the plane ; squares the stone ; creates 
the fabric of art, — a nature intellectual ; spiritual ; moral ; capacious of 
science, capacious of truth beyond the sphere of sense, with large 
discourse of reason — looking before and after, and taking hold on that 
within the veil ? 

What forbids that this nature shall have its daily bread also day by 
day ? What forbids that it have time to nourish its sympathy with all 
kindred human blood, by studying the grand facts of universal history; 
to learn to look beyond the chaotic flux and reflux of mere appearances, 
which are the outside of the world around it, into their scientific rela- 
tions and essential quality ; to soar from effects to causes, and through 
causes to the first ; to begin to recognize and to love, here and now, in 
waning moon or star of evening, or song of solemn bird, or fall of 
water, or " self-born carol of infancy," or transcendent landscape, or 
glorious self-sacrifice — to begin to recognize and love in these, that 
beauty here which shall be its dwelling place and its vesture in the life 
to come ; to accustom itself to discern in all vicissitudes of things — the 
changed and falling leaf ; the golden harvest, the angry sigh of Novem- 



181 

ber's wind, the storm of snow, the temporary death of natin-c, the 
opening of the chambers of the South, and the unresting round of 
seasons — to discern not merely the sublime circle of eternal chantre, 
but the unfailing law — flowing from the infinite mind— and the 
" varied God " — filling and moving, and in all things, yet personal and 
apart ? What forbids it to cultivate and confirm 

The glorious habit by which sense is made 
Subservient still to moral purposes, 
Auxiliar to divine ? 

What forbids that it grow 

Accustomed to desires tliat feed 

On fruitage gathered from the Tree of Life ? 

I do not say that every man, even in a condition of competence, can 
exemplify this nobler culture and this rarer knowledge. But I will say 
that the exactions of labor do not hinder it. Recall a familiar, thouch 
splendid and remarkable instance or two. 

Burns reaped as much and as well as the duller companion bv his 
side, and meantime was conceiving an immortal song of Scotland ; 
and Hugh Miller was just as painstaking a stone mason and as good 
a workman as if he had not so husbanded his spare half hours and 
moments as to become, while an apprentice and journeyman, a 
profound geologist and master of a clear and charming English style. 
But how much more a man was the poet and the geologist ; how far 
fuller the consciousness of being ; how much larger the daily draft of 
that admiration, hope and love, which are the life and voice of souls! 

I come to add the final reason why the working matt — by whom I 
mean the whole hrothcrhood of indv-s/tnj, should set on mental culture 
and that knowledge which is wisdom a value so high — only not 
supreme — subordinate alone to the exercises and hopes of religion 
itself. And that is, Ihat therein he shall so surely fmd rest from labor ; 
succor under its hurdens ; forgetfulncss of its cares, composure in its 
annoyances. It is not always that the busy day is followed by the 
peaceful night. It is not always that fatigue wins sleej). Often some 
vexation outside of the toil that has exhausted the frame ; some loss in 
a barn-ain ; some loss by an insolvency ; some unforeseen rise or fall 
of prices ; some trivunph of a mean or fradulent competitor ; " the 
law's delay, the proud man's contumely, the insolence of office, or 
some one of the spurns that patient merit from the unworthy takes" — 
some self-reproach perhaps — follow you within tlie door ; chill the 



182 

fireside ; sow tlie pillow witli thorns ; and the dark care is last in the 
last waking thought, and luiunts the vivid dream. Happy, then, is he 
who has laid up in youth, and held fast in all fortune, a genuine and 
passionate love of reading. True balm of hurt minds ; of surer and 
more healthful charm than " poppy or mandragora, or all the drowsy 
syrups of the world " — by that single taste ; by that single capacity, 
he may bound in a moment into the still region of delightful studies, 
and be at rest. He recalls the annoyance that pursues him ; reflects 
that he has done all that might become a man to avoid or bear it ; he 
indulges in one good long human sigh — picks up the volume where 
the mark kept his place — and in about the same time that it takes the 
Mahometan in the Spectator to put his head in the bucket of water, and 
raise it out, he finds himself exploring the arrow-marked ruins of 
Nineveh with Layard ; or worshipping at the spring head of the stu- 
pendous Missouri, with Clark and Lewis ; or watching with Columbus 
for the sublime moment of the rising of the curtain from before the 
great mystery of the sea ; or looking reverentially on while Socrates — 
the discourse of immortality ended — refuses the offer of escape, and 
takes in his hand the poison to die in obedience to the unrighteous 
sentence of the law ; or, perhaps, it is in the contemplation of some 
vast spectacle or phenomenon of nature that he has found his quick 
peace — the renewed exploration of one of her great laws — or some 
glimpse opened by the pencil of St. Pierre, or Humboldt, or Chateau- 
briand, or Wilson, of the " blessedness and glory of her own deej), 
calm and mighty existence." 

Let the case of a busy lawyer testify to the priceless value of the 
love of reading. He comes home, his temples throbbing, his nerves 
shattered, from a trial of a week ; surprised and alarmed by the charge 
of the judge, and pale with anxiety about the verdict of the next morning, 
not at all satisfied with what he has done himself, though he does not 
yet see how he could liave improved it ; recalling with dread and self- 
disparagement, if not with envy, the brilliant efibrt of his antagonist, 
and tormenting himself with the vain wish that he could have replied 
to it — and altogether a very miserable subject, and in as unfavorable a 
condition to accept comfort from wife and children as poor Christian in 
the first three pages of the Pilgrim's Progress. With a superhuman 
effort he opens his book, and in the twinkling of an eye he is looking 
into the full " orb of Homeric or Miltonic song," or he stands in the 
crowd breathless, yet swayed as forests or the sea by winds — hearing 
and to judge the Pleadings for the Crown ; or the philosophy which 



183 

soothed Cicero or Boethius in their afflictions, in exile, prison, and 
the contemplation of death, hrcathes over his petty cares like the sweet 
south ; or Pope or Horace laugh him into good humor, or he walks 
with yEneas and the Syhil in the mild light of the world of the laurelled 
dead — and the court-house is as completely forgotten as the dream of 
a pre-adamite life. Well may he prize that endeared charm, so 
effectual and safe, without which tlic hrain had long ago hecn cliilled 
by paralysis, or set on fire of insanity ! 

To these uses, and these enjoyments ; to mental culture and know- 
ledge and morality — the guide, the grace, the solace of labor on all 
his fields, we dedicate this charity ! May it bless you in all your 
successions ; and may the admirable giver survive to see that the debt 
which he recognizes to the future is completely discharged ; survive to 
enjoy in the gratitude, and love, and honor of this generation, the honor, 
and love, and gratitude with which the latest will assuredly cherish his 
name, and partake and transmit his benefaction. 

The choir, with the addition of Miss VVilley, then sang an Anthem, 
" The Lord will comfort Zion," from Von Weber's Mass, in a style 
which charmed all listeners, and commanded loud applause. 

Sevei-al other speakers were then called upon, first of whom was 
Hon. George S. Hillard, of Boston. 

MR. HILLARD'S REMARKS. 
Mr. Hillard said he had always thought the people of Danvers were 
a hospitable people, but he asked if it was a fair way of dealing with a 
fellow-creature to call upon him to lollow Mr. Choate. Now that he 
was up, however, he would offer a few remarks. He fidt a lively interest 
in this noble charity, and it had his best wishes. He believed it would 
prove a fountain of good influences, which would bless the whole bound- 
less continent from the snows of Maine to the sunny plains of Georgia. 
He had a brief word of advice to offer in regard to the future manage- 
ment of the Institution, and referred to a series of practical lectures 
delivered by Professor Agassiz, on the geology of Nahant, and spoke 
of a visit to his workshop thereon that rocky peninsula, (which senmed 
like a clinched and gauntleted hand thrown out in defiance), as exhibit- 
ing to him the poetry of the sea, and the truth of the sea which was 
higher than its poetry. He urged upon the young the importance of 
cultivating truth, and concluded a very eloquent speech anndst the 
plaudits of the audience. 



184 



JUDGE WHITE'S REMARKS. 

Judge White, of Salem, was next called upon. He had been 
acquainted with the people of Danvers for more than 50 years — from 
the days of Holten and Wadsworth — and he testified to their virtues, 
and expressed his gratification that one son of Danvers had done for 
her what she so well deserved. He had been shown a document which 
proved that an institution called the " Union Library " was started 60 
years ago, whose objects were precisely similar to those so fully met 
by this institution. He thought it possible that the spirit which led to 
that association had eventually found an exponent in Mr. Peabody, and 
enlarged upon the important lesson which Mr. Peabody had given to 
the elder portion of the community on the use of wealth. He believed 
that the good resulting from this benefaction would lead to the estab- 
lishment of similar institutions in other towns, and that men of wealth 
would learn that true wisdom consists in philanthropy. In conclusion 
he gave as a sentiment : 

The Peabody Institute — So honorable to the people of Danvers — May they manage 
and cherish it in the noble spirit of its founder, and in all their prosperity may they 
remember that the best use of wealth consists in promoting the highest welfare of 
man. 

Hon. Asahel Huntington was called upon, as an ex-mayor of Salem, 
and responded as follows : — 

MR. HUNTINGTON'S REMARKS. 

Mr. President : — 

This call upon the ex-mayors of Salem has taken me altogether by 
surprise, and I would gladly defer to my friend and immediate prede- 
cessor ; but, as he is an exceedingly modest gentleman, and shakes his 
head, I will say a word or two in answer to your invitation. I regret 
that the present head of our government is not here, to speak with 
authority for our city, and to express the congratulations of our people 
on the event which marks the proceedings of this day. I am sure that 
imperative engagements only would have prevented his attendance 
here in person, to express, not only his own interest in this occasion, 
but that of the city government, and of our citizens generally. W^e 
are your friends and neighbors. In the olden times you were of us. 
For successive generations you had part and lot with us in the old town 
of Salem, sharing with us in the same organization • and municipal 
administration and privileges. While you were with us, and of us, we 



185 

had nothing to complain of in your conduct, except that little episode 
in " Salem Village " which occurred about 1692. But that matter was 
satisfactorily adjusted, and wc parted good friends over a hundred 
years ago, and we have remained on the best of terms ever since, 
always rejoicing, on our part, in whatever has tended to your advance- 
ment and prosperity. Well may we, therefore, of the same ancient 
household, be here to-day to congratulate you on the inauguration of 
the " Peabody Institute," which is to be, — and which will deserve to 
be, — in all future time, one of your most cherished and useful institu- 
tions. It will constitute an epoch in your history. If you or your sons 
get up many more such institutions among you, I do not know, if you 
will not come to us by re-annexation ; that Salem will not seek to be 
annexed to Danvers, upon the promise, however, on your part, that you 
shall not revive any of those old practices of 1692. 

This idea of Mr. Peabody, of prompt payment, is a most excellent 
one ; and most nobly has he illustrated his sentiment, " Education, — a 
debt due from present to future generations." He has opened in your 
midst, in these beautiful halls, the fountains of knowledge and instruc- 
tion, and, by his munificent endowments, has so fortified and guarded 
them, that they are to be kept open for all the future generations of this 
people ; giving, always, improvement, culture, expansion, enlarge- 
ment, and the stature of perfect man. VVe see in this endowment an 
illustration of the true uses of wealth, and an example to be held in 
especial honor and remembrance here, and in this land of free govern- 
ment and free institutions, for their foundations must ever rest on the 
virtue and intelligence of the people ; and whoever does the most in 
laying such foundations is the truest benefactor of his age and race. 
Especial honor, therefore, be to the founder of this Institute, who has, 
with such true and judicious liberality, performed his part in actually 
paying the debt to the " future generations." Let other trustees of the 
wealth of this world emulate so noble an example, and thus make the 
world better by their having lived in it. 

The exercises throughout were of a highly interesting character, 
affording an intellectual entertainment such as is rarely offered in any 
community, A large number of distinguished strangers honored the 
occasion by their presence, and among those invited who were unable 
to attend was His Excellency Governor Washburn, who expressed his 
recret in the following letter : — 



186 

Worcester, Sept. 27, 1854. 

Dear Sir, — Your polite invitation to attend the dedication of the Pea- 
body Institute, on the 29th, is just received. 

I hasten to acknowledge the honor of the invitation, and to express 
my regret that the lateness of the hour will prevent my being able to 
arrange my engagements so as to be present. 

I regret this the more that, in addition to the rich entertainment 
promised on the occasion to the lovers of true eloquence, I lose the 
opportunity of expressing by my presence the high respect I entertain 
for the founder of the Institute for his noble and generous qualities of 
mind and heart. In this I do but share the feeling which every Ameri- 
can entertains who has been fortunate enough to witness abroad his 
uniform kindness and cordiality towards his countrymen. 

Danvers may well be proud of such a son, who, in the brilliancy of 
his success, is still true to his early associations and the memory of the 
spot of his birth. 

He needs, however, no eulogy at my liand ; and my regret is, that I 
could not silently indicate my respect by my presence, while I had the 
pleasure of meeting the friends at Danvers who will be present on that 
occasion, and, among them, yourself. 

I am, very respectfully, your ob't serv't, 

Emory Washburn. 

R. S. Daniels, Esq. 



J ■— 




187 



LYCEUM AND LIBRARY 



After the dedication of the building to its appropriate uses, measures 
were immediately adopted to procure a Course of Lectures, and to 
open the Library to the use of the citizens of the town. Indeed, con- 
siderable progress had already been made by the Committee having 
charge of these duties, by correspondence with lecturers, and by pur- 
chasing and preparing books, to open the Institute to the public. 

It was not until late in November that the sub-committee having 
charge of the Lectures were enabled to open the hall for the delivery 
of the Introductory Lecture. They were fortunate in obtaining the 
services of Hon. George S. Hillakd, of Boston, to open the first 
course, wliose high reputation for eloquent scholarship and graceful 
elocution was well sustained in this performance. The discourse was 
prepared especially for the occasion, and was replete with sound views 
and wise suggestions in relation to the ends to be sought in conducting 
an institution such as was then going into practical operation. The 
hall on this occasion was crowded to its utmost capacity, a large num- 
ber not being able to find seats, or even standing-room, and many went 
away for lack of accommodation. 

* The lecturer was introduced to the audience by Hon. A. A. Abbott, 
Chairman of the Lyceum Committee, with some brief and well-timed 
remarks, eloquently delivered, and appropriate to the occasion. 

By the attention of Mr. George F. Osborne, Secretary of the Com- 
mittee, we are enabled to give a list of the lecturers who have appeared 
before the Lyceum, and their subjects : — 

FIRST COURSE OF LECTURES, FOR 1854-55. 

First Introductory Lecture, by Hon. George S. Hillard, of Bos- 
ton, on Tuesday evening, Nov. 29, 1854. After the Lecture, a Poem, 
written for the occasion by a native of the town, was read by Tho.mas 

B. HiNKLEY, Esq. 

Second Lecture — Wednesday evening, Dec. 6, by Daniel N. Has- 



• 188 

KELL, Esq., of Boston. Subject, " The Early Political Parties of the 
United States." 

Third Lecture — Tuesday evening, Dec. 12, by Rev. Theodore 
Parker, of Boston. Subject, " The Anglo-Saxon Race." 

Fourth Lecture — Tuesday evening, Dec. 19, by Rev. Prof. Thomas 
P. Field, of Amherst College. Subject, " Oratory." 

Fifth Lecture — Tuesday evening, Dec. 26, by Rev. Dr. E. S. Gan- 
nett, of Boston. Subject, " Manners." 

Sixth Lecture — Tuesday evening, Jan. 2, 1855, by Rev. Lyman 
Whiting, of Reading. Subject, " Reading." 

Seventh Lecture — Tuesday evening, Jan. 9, by E. P. Whipple, 
Esq., of Boston. Subject, " Cheerfulness." 

Eighth Lecture — Wednesday evening, Jan. 17, by Rev. Prof. R. D. 

Hitchcock, of Bowdoin College. Subject, " Work, and Man's Rela- 
tion to it." 

Ninth Lecture — Tuesday evening, Jan. 23, by R. W. Emerson, 
Esq., of Concord. Subject, " English Civilization." 

Tenth Lecture — Tuesday evening, Jan. 30, by Rev. A. A. Miner, 
of Boston. Subject, " The Young American." 

Eleventh Lecture — Tuesday evening, Feb. 6, by Rev. T. Starr 
King, of Boston. Subject, " Laws of Disorder." 

Twelfth Lecture — Tuesday, Feb. 13, by Dr. R. Solger, of Boston. 
Subject, " The Eastern Question." 

Thirteenth Lecture — Tuesday, Feb. 20, by the same, on the same 
subject. 

Fourteenth Lecture — Tuesday, Feb. 27, by the same, on the same 
subject. 

Fifteenth Lecture — Tuesday, March 6, by the same, on the same 
subject. 

Sixteenth Lecture — Tuesday, March 13, by Hon. Josiah Quincy, 
Jr., of Boston. Subject, " The Mormons." 



189 

Seventeenth Lecture — Tuesday, March 19, by Rev. A. L. STO^'E, of 
Boston. Subject, " The Pouit of Observation." 

Eighteenth Lecture — March 27, by Richard H. Dana, .Ir., of Bos- 
ton. Subject, " Edmund Burke." 



SECOND COURSE OF LECTURES, IX)R 1855-56. 

First Lecture — Dec. 4, 1855, by Hon. Charles W. Uphai^i, of 
Salem. Subject, " The Philosophy of Government." 

Second Lecture — Dec. 12, by Dr. R. Solger, of Boston. Subject, 
" The Anglo-Saxon Woman and her Home." 

Third Lecture — Dec. 18, by J. G. Hoyt, Esq., of Exeter, N. H. 
Subject, " Modern Fallacies." 

Fourth Lecture — Dec. 25, by Rev. George W. Briggs, D.D., of 
Salem. Subject, " The New England Fathers." 

Fifth Lecture — Jan. 1, 1856, by Dr. R. Solger, of Boston. Sub- 
ject, " Sevastopol." 

Sixth Lecture — Jan. 8, by Rev. Charles IL Wheeler, of South 
Danvers. Subject, " Venice." 

Seventh Lecture — Jan. 15, by Rev. Prof. F. D. Huntington, of 
Harvard University. Subject, " Work and Study." 

Eighth Lecture — Jan. 22, by Dr. O. W. Holmes, of Boston. Sub- 
ject, " The Americanized European." 

Ninth Lecture — Jan. 28, by Rev. Rufus W. Clark, of Boston. Sub- 
ject, " Russia." 

Tenth Lecture — Feb. 5, by Rev. Theodore Parker, of Boston. 
Subject, " The False and True Idea of a Gentleman." 

Eleventh Lecture — Feb. 26, by Ralph W. Emerson, Esq., of Con- 
cord. Subject, " Beauty." 

Twelfth and Closing Lecture — March 11, by Rev. T. Starr King, 
of Boston. Subject, " Sight and Insight." 



190 

Tlic Third Annual Course, for 1856-57, was opened on Tliursday 
evening, Dec. 4, 1856, by a Lecture from Hon. Josiah Quincy, Jr., of 
Boston, on " Our Obligations to France." It was expected that Mr. 
Peabody would have been present at the opening of the Lyceunn for 
the present season ; but he was prevented from coming by a slight 
indisposhion, and the severity of the weather, which rendered it impru- 
dent for him to le^ve his home at Georgetown, where he resides with 
his sister, Mrs. J. P. Russell. 

It became widely known among our citizens that Mr. Peabody fully 
intended to be present, and great disappointment was felt at his un- 
avoidable absence. A very large audience had assembled, many of 
them with the expectation of once more seeing Mr. Peabody. Mr. 
Quincy, in introducing his subject, alluded to the disappointment of the 
evening in some appropriate remarks, and spoke nearly as follows: — 

Ladies and Gentlemen : — 

I cannot open this course of popular lectures without alluding to 
the very pleasant and auspicious event that has occurred since the con- 
clusion of the last. Some forty years ago, a youth left this village to 
seek his fortune in a distant State, and ultimately in a foreign land. 
Integrity, sagacity, and energy, marked his career, and his name 
became known in the metropolis of the world as the Great American 
Banker. He exercised the vast power and influence that this position 
conferred upon him for the honor and advantage of his country. His 
wealth and courage saved the credit of his adopted State of Maryland ; 
and his princely hospitality was the means, not only of giving tempo- 
rary pleasure to the hosts of Americans who visited London, but had 
the effect of drawing closer the bonds which, we trust, will forever unite 
the two great branches of the Anglo-Saxon family. 

It is wisely ordered that the earliest impressions are always the most 

lasting ; 

Dear is the school-boy spot 

We ne'er forget, tho' there we are forgot ; 

and in the rush of business, and under the pressure of responsibilities, 
he looked back to the quiet and peaceful village of his birth, and had 
the natural desire of being known and remembered there. 

With his usual sagacity, he chose the most fitting time and the most 
appropriate manner of ensuring this end. On the great centennial 
anniversary of the settlement of the town — a day dedicated to the com- 
memoration of the fathers — he founded an institution to aid in trans- 



191 

mitting tlieir intelligence and virtues to their sons. He did not wait 
until his wealth fell from his relaxing grasp, but wisely became his own 
executor, and had the pleasure of seeing it appropriated in the manner 
he desired. 

I need not tell you that he who left this town a youth, has, since your 

last meeting in this noble lecture-room, — the gift of his munificence 

returned, to witness the completion of his plans, and receive the (rrate- 
ful testimony of the affection and remembrance of his townsmen. 

Our friend will soon leave us, to resume the place he so nobly occu- 
pies among the merchant princes of the world. We can assure him 
that he will never be forgotten, — that those who have seen him here 
will rehearse the event of his presence to their children's children, and 
that, for centuries, among the proudest recollections of tiie old town of 
South Danvcrs will be, that it was the birth-place of (ikokgk Peakouy. 

It is proposed by the Lyceum Committee of the present year to adopt 
the recommendation of Mr. Choate, in his excellent address at the dedi- 
cation of the Institute, so far as to have one or more courses of lectures 
on some single subject from the same person, instead of the usual plan 
of a series of lectures by diflcrent persons on widely different themes. 
It is possible, however, that, if space intervenes between the courses 
thus provided, some lectures of a miscellaneous character may be 
delivered. 



THE LIBRARY. 

It has been before remarked, that the attention of the government of 
the Institute was early directed to the procuring and preparation of the 
Library. This was a work of no inconsiderable amount of labor and 
attention. As soon as the books could be examined, catalogued, cov- 
ered, and numbered, they were placed upon the shelves, and the 
Library-Room thrown open to the public. This was effected on the 
18th of October, 1854. Great eagerness was shown on the part of the 
citizens to avail themselves of this portion of the boon bestowed on 
the town, and a large number immediately complied with the regula- 
tions adopted for the government of the Library. The following arc 
the regulations established by the Committee, and which still exist with 
but very slight change : — 



192 



RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE PEABODY LIBRARY. 

ARTICLE FIRST. 

The Library shall be open for the delivery of books on every Wed- 
nesday, from three to eight o'clock, p.m., and on every Saturday, from 
two to eight o'clock, p.m., except during the fortnight immediately pre- 
ceding the Annual Examination of the Library. 

ARTICLE SECOND. 

All persons hereinafter specified, who shall sign an obligation to 
observe all the existing Rules and Regulations of the Library, and all 
that may be subsequently prescribed by due authority, shall have free 
right to take books from the Library, so long as they comply strictly 
with all its Regulations, viz. : — 

First. — All members of the Board of Reference, which shall consist 
of the following persons, viz. : the Trustees of the Peabody Institute ; 
the Lyceum and Library Committee ; the Selectmen, Clerk, Treasurer, 
and Overseers of the Poor, of the town ; the School Committee, and 
the Prudential Committees of the several School Districts ; all Ministers 
of the Gospel regularly officiating in the town, and the Teachers of the 
High Schools. 

Second. — Every inhabitant of the town over twenty-one years of 
age who shall be recommended by any member of the Board of Ref- 
erence as a suitable person to enjoy the privileges of the Library. 

Printed certificates of the form of recommendation required will be 
furnished by the Librarian. 

Third. — All persons between the ages of fifteen and twenty-one 
years who shall be certified as above, and who shall also produce a 
certificate, signed by his or her parent, guardian, or other responsible 
person, that the person so signing said certificate will become respon- 
sible for said minor's observance of the Rules of the Library, and for 
any loss or damage to the books by said minor. 

Fourth. — Any inhabitant of the town not producing a certificate 
from the Board of Reference, but who shall deposit the full value of 
the volume called for, or of the set to which it belongs, as security for 
its safe return. 

Fifth. — Any person not an inhabitant of the town who shall be a 
benefactor to the Library to an amount not less than twenty-five 
dollars. 



193 



ARTICLE THIRD. 



Every person entitled to horrow books from the Library shall receive 
from tlie Librarian a ])rinted card, on wliich the book asked for shall 
be designated l)y its catalogue number, in blanks left for the purpose ; 
and this card will be i)resen;ed to tl.e Librarian, or liis Assistant, as ll;c 
only mode of ob'.aining any book that may be wanted. If the book is 
not to be found, ti:e card will be returned for the applicant to insert 
another number. 

ARTICLE FOURTH. 

No person shall be allowed more than one volume at any one time, 
and no book shall be kept out of the Library more than fourteen days. 
Nor shall the jierson returning a book be at liberty to retake the same 
until the next Library day. The fine for retention of any volume over 
the lime above specified shall be five cents for every half week it is so 
retained. 

ARTICLE FIFTH. 

Wlien any book, on account of its great popularity, is likely to be 
frequently called for, the time of its retention from the Library may 
be limited to a week or lialf week, the time of its retention being made 
conspicuous on i:s cover ; and if such book is retained beyond the 
specified time, the person so retaining it shall pay the same fine as is 
provided in Article Fourth. 

ARTICLE SIXTH. 

Any book retained two weeks beyond the time prescribed by these 
Regulations shall be sent for by the Librarian, and the expense incurred 
m ob'.aining it shall he paid by the person who has so retained it. 

ARTICLE SEVENTH. 

All injuries to books, beyond a reasonable wear, and all losses, shall 
he made good, to the satisfaction of the Library Committee, by the 
persons liable ; and any book not returned within one week after de- 
mand for it, made by the Librarian, shall be regarded as lost. 

ARTICLE EIGHTH. 

All books arc required to be returned to the Library fourteen days 
tefore the Annual Examination in July, under penalty of a fine of One 
L^ollar : but seasonable public notice shall be given by the Librarian. 
13 



194 



ARTICLE NINTH. 



No person having a book from the Library shall lend it to any per- 
son not a member of the same household. 



ARTICLE TENTH. 



No person owing a fine or forfeiture shall receive books from the 
Library until the same is paid. 



ARTICLE ELEVENTH. 



All persons visiting the Library Room will be required to demean 
themselves quietly, and no conversation will be allowed in the room. 

Any person abusing the privileges of the Library, by improper or 
offensive conduct, will be denied admission to the Library Room. 



ARTICLE TWELFTH. 



Persons entitled to the privileges of the Library may receive books 
for consultation while the room is open, and the Librarian shall enter 
all books thus withdrawn, and erase the entry when they are returned. 

If a person neglects to return any book to the Librarian, he shall pay 
the same fine that would be charged for a week's detention over the 
lime prescribed by the Regulations. 



ARTICLE THIRTEENTH. 



Books of reference, and those deemed by the Committee unsuitable 
for general circulation, shall not be loaned, except by an order signed 
by at least two of the Committee. 



The Library has now been in active operation about two years, and 
the number of books delivered to borrowers, estimating from actual 
results ascertained the first year, must have been more than 50,000. 
Many of the applicants are residents of the territory annexed to South 
Danvers from the city of Salem by act of the last legislature. These 
residents have thus secured to themselves the benefits of this institution, 
which was one great object they had in view in their petition for annex- 
ation. 

The books, by a regulation of the Library, were called in for the 



195 

annual examination m July, and the result was found to be, that every 
book was returned to the shelves. The same result was exhibited the 
previous year, although at the time it was thought that three volumes 
were missing ; but it was afterwards found that, by mistake, these 
books, although catalogued, had never been placed in the Library. We 
cannot but regard this fact as very remarkable and unprecedented in 
the history of similar institutions. Although this result may in part be 
owing to strict rules rigidly enforced, it is also a gratifying proof of the 
desire of the people to preserve, as well as enjoy, the bounty of their 
Benefactor. It is by this care, as well as by the constant use of the 
stores, prepared for their improvement, that they can best evince their 
appreciation of the gift. 



'E 907" 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 442 880 60 



